New Delhi/Bengaluru:Saumya Singh Rathore and Paavan Nanda, the founders of the popular online gaming platform WinZO, were arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday on charges of money laundering. The duo was taken into custody in Bengaluru following a round of questioning at the ED’s zonal office, officials confirmed.
Rathore and Nanda were presented before a local court in Bengaluru later that evening, which granted them one-day custody. The court has ordered further proceedings and the duo is expected to be produced again for a detailed order in the coming days, according to the officials involved in the case. The arrests come as part of an ongoing investigation into WinZO’s financial transactions, with the ED probing potential violations of money laundering laws. The gaming platform, which allows users to play various games and earn money, has come under scrutiny for its financial operations, with authorities investigating allegations of illicit fund transfers and money-laundering activities.
The Enforcement Directorate’s action follows an extensive investigation into the online gaming industry in India, which has seen growing concerns over the regulation of virtual gaming platforms. WinZO, one of the leading platforms in India, has been popular among millions of users, but its rapid growth has raised questions about the transparency of its financial dealings. Sources within the ED have stated that the founders’ arrest is part of a broader crackdown on illegal gaming operations and financial irregularities in the sector. “We are investigating the source of the funds and the flow of money involved in the operations of WinZO,” an ED official said.
The case has drawn attention to the increasing regulation of the online gaming industry in India, as authorities seek to ensure that gaming platforms comply with all financial and legal regulations.
