Kolkata ED Busts Online Gaming App Scam, Seizes Rs 109 Crore
The Kolkata unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has successfully cracked down on a major online gaming app scam known as "E-Nugget." The operation resulted in the seizure of Rs 19 crore in cash and the freezing of funds worth Rs 90 crore across 70 accounts. The alleged mastermind behind the scam, Aamir Khan, has also been arrested.
The E-Nugget app, disguised as a gaming platform, lured users with promises of high returns on their investments. It presented itself as a lucrative investment opportunity through enticing games designed for real-money wagering and hefty commissions. However, once users invested their money, the app vanished, leaving them stranded and unable to recover their funds.
The ED's investigation began in 2022, uncovering the operation and tracing a portion of the ill-gotten gains to digital assets. The agency identified and analyzed nearly 2500 dummy bank accounts used in the scam.
During searches, the ED seized Rs 19 crore in cash and apprehended Aamir Khan, the alleged mastermind. He is currently in judicial custody.
The ED also sought details of several crypto wallets associated with the scam from various exchanges, including Binance, ZebPay, and WazirX. Information obtained from these exchanges led to the freezing of funds totaling Rs 90 crore across 70 accounts linked to the scam. These crypto assets were subsequently transferred to the ED's crypto wallet.
This successful operation by the ED demonstrates its commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting investors from fraudulent schemes.