ED Freezes Deposits Worth ₹523 Crore During Probe of Online Gaming Platforms WinZo and Gameskraft

India’s Enforcement Directorate has frozen deposits of about ₹523 crore belonging to online gaming platforms WinZO and Gameskraft as part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation, as per the news reports. The agency conducted searches in Delhi, Bengaluru and Gurugram between 18 and November 22, targeting their parent companies Nirdesa Networks, Gameskraft Technologies and WinZO Games, along with their promoters.  

Officials alleged that WinZO withheld nearly ₹43 crore after the government’s August 22, 2025 ban on real-money gaming, with ₹505 crore identified as suspected proceeds of crime held across bank accounts, bonds, fixed deposits and mutual funds. 

Allegations Against WinZO and Gameskraft 

According to the ED, WinZO used algorithms against players without disclosure, restricted withdrawals and operated its global real-money games for markets such as Brazil, the US and Germany through a single India-hosted platform. The agency also claimed that funds were diverted overseas, including $55 million (₹489.9 crore) parked in a US account described as a shell entity.  

Gameskraft was accused of similar conduct under its Pocket52 platform, allegedly retaining over ₹30 crore in escrow after the gaming ban. 8 bank accounts holding deposits of ₹18.57 crore linked to Gameskraft, Nirdesa Networks and related entities were frozen. 

Investigation Scope and Financial Trail 

As per the news reports, the ED stated that unauthorised bets placed and lost by users generated illicit funds through what it described as “unscrupulous” algorithmic practices. Investigators indicated that operations and account management for WinZO’s overseas business were controlled from India, while Gameskraft’s withheld funds fell under scrutiny following the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.  

The probe continues to examine financial flows, overseas investments, and platform practices across both companies. 

Read More: ED Seizes Dubai Assets Linked to ₹1,266 Crore SBI Fraud, Gifted to AOPL Chief’s Daughter! 

Conclusion 

The freezing of ₹523 crore marks a significant development in the ED’s investigation into alleged misconduct by major real-money gaming operators. With multiple accounts, overseas holdings and platform practices under review, further actions are expected as the probe advances. 

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