Indian authorities have arrested Karnataka Congress legislator K.C. Veerendra, widely known by his nickname “Puppy,” as part of a sweeping crackdown on illegal betting and money laundering networks.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), India’s financial crime agency, carried out coordinated raids across six cities — including Bengaluru, Hubli, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Goa, and Gangtok — uncovering a trove of illicit assets. Officials said the operation marked one of the largest actions of its kind since India passed a landmark law earlier this year regulating online betting and gambling.
Massive Seizures Across Multiple Locations
Authorities reported seizing ₹12 crore ($1.44 million) in cash, including around ₹1 crore in foreign currency, along with gold jewelry worth ₹6 crore ($720,000), nearly 10 kilograms of silver, and four luxury vehicles. Investigators also confiscated property documents linked to Veerendra’s relatives.
The crackdown extended to Veerendra’s casino interests in Goa, where five establishments, including the popular Casino Pride and Big Daddy Casino, were raided and sealed.
Betting Platforms and Offshore Links
The ED said its probe uncovered connections to illegal betting platforms, including King567 and Raja567, which were allegedly funneling significant volumes of money through offshore entities controlled by Veerendra’s brother. These businesses, investigators believe, were used to manage digital gambling operations targeting Indian markets.
Broader Political and Legal Implications
Veerendra was arrested in the city of Gangtok, located in India’s northeast, and remanded into custody for transfer to Bengaluru, where the ED is leading the case. His detention is expected to spark political repercussions in Karnataka, where he is a sitting legislator for the ruling Congress party.
The timing of the arrest is notable: just weeks after India enacted a national ban on unregulated online gambling platforms, citing concerns over financial fraud, addiction, and links to organized crime. The new law aims to bring transparency to a sector that has long operated in legal grey zones.
A Growing Regional Challenge
Illegal betting has become a multi-billion-dollar shadow industry across South Asia, closely tied to both sports and online gaming. Regulators warn that its reach extends beyond India, with financial flows often routed through offshore hubs in Asia.
Analysts say the scale of the ED’s seizures underscores both the scope of the industry and the government’s determination to disrupt it. The agency indicated further arrests and asset freezes are likely in the coming weeks.
