India probes betting site allegedly run by Pakistanis in the UAE

Authorities have filed money laundering charges against Magicwin.

India.- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed charges against Magicwin, an online betting platform allegedly operated by Pakistani nationals based in the United Arab Emirates, as part of a money laundering investigation tied to illegal gambling and media rights violations.

The case was filed on January 15 before a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in Ahmedabad. Fourteen individuals and entities have been named following a complaint by the city’s cybercrime police.

According to the ED, Magicwin was involved in unauthorised streaming and broadcasting of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, whose media rights in India were held by Star India. Investigators said the platform operated as a betting exchange, offering wagers on cricket, football, tennis and horse racing, while also providing live streams and real-time score updates.

Authorities allege the brand is owned by Magicwin Sports Limited, a UK-registered company, with two Pakistani nationals residing in the UAE listed as directors. Betting proceeds were reportedly routed through mule accounts, hawala channels and cryptocurrencies, while celebrities and social media influencers were used to promote the platform.

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Authorities have filed money laundering charges against Magicwin. India.- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed charges against Magicwin, an online betting platform allegedly operated by Pakistani nationals based in the…