Enforcement Directorate strikes gold in its probe against Winzo Private Limited, freezing 505 crore rupees in USA and Singapore bank accounts of affiliated shells. Pawan Nanda and Soumya Singh Rathore, the masterminds, operated through Winzo US Inc. and Winzo SG Private Limited to siphon illicit gains.
Users fell victim to hidden bots and AI opponents on the app, undisclosed as PPP/EP/Persona tools designed for profit. Restricted withdrawals and manipulative delays funneled deposits into rake commissions, sustaining the fraud.
Key raids unfolded November 18, 2025, at offices and residences, with follow-ups at the accounting firm on December 30. The tally: 3,522.05 crore rupees proceeds from 2021-22 to August 2025.
ED’s freezes encompass 689 crore in movable properties, augmented by foreign attaches to reach 1,194 crore. Indian handlers masked transfers as legit investments.
A formal PMLA complaint hit Bengaluru’s Special Court (CCA-1) on January 23, 2026, outlining the betrayal of users and laundering mechanics. Investigations press on, tracing accomplices.
In India’s real-money gaming arena, where platforms like Winzo draw massive crowds, this enforcement signals a new era of vigilance. It underscores urgent needs for transparency, anti-fraud tech, and regulations to protect players from predatory schemes.