Police in Dubai have arrested the alleged mastermind behind an extensive network of illegal gambling apps that handled nearly INR 15,000 crore (US$1.8bn) since 2019. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Police in Dubai apprehended the owner of the Mahadev betting app and other illicit platforms after executing a notice from Interpol. Sourabh Chandrakar will face extradition to India in the coming weeks to answer allegations about money laundering and cricket match-fixing.

The network of up to 60 offshore gambling platforms reportedly has links to political figures in Chhattisgarh, with some accepting bribes from the people behind it. The authorities blocked the app last year and arrested dozens of people after users spent almost INR 15,000 crore (US$1.8bn) through the network since 2019, which at one point had as many as 10 million users.

allegedly earned about INR 6,000 crore (US$720m) from the gambling operation

The Dubai authorities originally placed Chandrakar under house arrest due to the probe into his activities. His lavish wedding caused a stir as it cost INR 200 crore (US$25m). He paid for many celebrities and influencers to travel to Dubai to perform, with his family arriving on private jets. He allegedly earned about INR 6,000 crore (US$720m) from the gambling operation while living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).