To Expose Online Gaming Fraudster's Network Nagpur Police Launch Forensic Audit and International Probe
The Nagpur police have launched an extensive forensic audit into the financial activities of Anant, also known as Sontu Navratan Jain, an online gaming fraudster, spanning the past six years. This investigation has unveiled shocking revelations about money transactions using the hawala network and connections to international betting fraudsters based in Dubai and London. The primary goal of the audit is to trace and freeze accounts linked to this illegal operation and bring those responsible to justice.
Preliminary forensic inquiries have revealed that Sontu and his associates, including D-gang member Naved, also known as Naim, and gaming fraudster Rakesh Rajkot, also known as RR, extensively used the hawala network. Reports suggest that substantial sums of money were channelled through this network by Sontu, with victims coerced into depositing funds into 12 different bank accounts under his control. These unlawfully obtained funds were then redirected into around 400 different bank accounts. An in-depth financial audit is currently underway to explore the possibility of freezing these accounts.
Furthermore, the police have identified Rakesh Rajkot as the mastermind behind the online gambling operation, operating under the instructions of Naim, alias Naved. Connections to London have also emerged, with 'unidentified individuals' receiving shares from the scam operation in 2018-19, indicating an international aspect to the fraud.
The prime suspect, Anant Jain, also known as Sontu Gondia, has not fully cooperated with the authorities and remains elusive. He stands accused of defrauding Vikrant Agrawal of Rs 58 crore. Despite court protection against arrest, Sontu's evasive tactics have impeded the police investigation. The High Court is set to rule on Sontu's bail application on September 26, with law enforcement eager to take him into custody for a more comprehensive inquiry.
However, the investigation has faced challenges, as Sontu's responses to police inquiries have yielded few leads. Counsel Shrirang Bhandarkar, assisting the prosecution, has stressed the importance of identifying or apprehending the originator of the betting and gambling app, reportedly operating from London and Dubai, through Sontu. This operation is alleged to have laundered crores of rupees globally using 'benami' accounts.
Media reports suggest that the Income Tax Department is planning to request the police to transfer cash and assets seized during raids at Anant Jain's premises. These assets, valued at over 32 crore, are under scrutiny as Sontu faces allegations of defrauding a businessman of Rs 58 crore through a manipulated betting app. The burden of proving the legitimacy of these assets rests on Sontu; otherwise, they will be deposited with the government treasury. The transfer process may pose challenges, as the police may require the cash as evidence for ongoing investigations and court proceedings.
The Nagpur police's ongoing investigation into the financial dealings of online gaming fraudster Anant Jain has unveiled a complex web of financial transactions, hawala networks, and international connections. The pursuit of justice in this case remains a top priority, with legal proceedings and forensic audits shedding light on the extent of the alleged fraud. The outcome of the High Court's decision on Sontu's bail application is expected to significantly impact the course of this investigation.
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