The BRICS TimesED takes major action in Bengaluru. WinZO Games faces increasing trouble. Directors Pawan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathour have been arrested in connection with this case.
Directors Arrested on Money Laundering Charges
The online real money gaming platform, WinZO Games, is facing escalating issues. On November 26, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) Bengaluru team arrested the company’s directors, Pawan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathour. They face serious money laundering charges. The ED presented both individuals before the Bengaluru City Sessions Court on November 27. The court subsequently remanded them to 10 days of ED custody for further questioning.
Raids at Office and Residence
Last week, the ED conducted raids at the WinZO office and Saumya Singh Rathour’s residence. This action stemmed from various First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against the company. These FIRs included allegations of cheating, blocking user accounts, and improper use of PAN details.
Major Revelations in ED Investigation
The ED’s investigation has brought forth several major disclosures. WinZO is accused of using software or algorithms to play against people in real money games. This means users were unknowingly playing against a computer program, not real human players. Furthermore, the company reportedly placed restrictions on withdrawing funds from many user wallets.
₹500 Crore Proceeds of Crime Frozen
Through these questionable methods, the gaming company allegedly generated approximately ₹505 crore in “proceeds of crime.” The ED has successfully frozen these funds. The amount is currently held in bank balances, bonds, fixed deposits (FDRs), and mutual funds. The probe also revealed WinZO was running real money gaming operations in countries like Brazil, the US, and Germany from India. This happened despite the Indian government’s restriction on RMGs.
Single App Used for Global Gaming
The company reportedly ran games both in India and abroad using a single platform and app. As per the ED’s findings, WinZO allegedly routed money from its Indian company to the US and Singapore as “overseas investment.” They found $55 million (about ₹489.90 crore) deposited in a US bank account belonging to a company named WINZO US Inc. The ED believes this entity is a shell company since all its operations are run from India. The agency is now thoroughly investigating the entire flow of money and foreign transactions. Questioning of both accused is ongoing, and the agency anticipates more disclosures in the coming days.
