New Delhi/Bengaluru, February 20, 2026:
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Bengaluru Zonal Office, has provisionally attached $55.69 million (approximately ₹505 crore) held in foreign bank accounts linked to online gaming platform WinZO.
The funds were deposited in accounts of the company’s overseas subsidiaries — WinZO US Inc (United States) and WinZO SG Pte. Ltd. (Singapore). According to the ED, these accounts were controlled by the company’s promoters, Pavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore.
Allegations of Bots in Real-Money Gaming
The agency conducted searches on November 18, 2025, at the company’s offices and the residence of one director. Subsequently, on December 30, 2025, it carried out a search at the firm’s accounting entity.
The ED alleges that instead of facilitating games between human players, the platform deployed bots, AI systems, or algorithms (referred to as PPP/EP/Persona) to compete against users in real-money games. The agency further claims that the company restricted or blocked withdrawals from in-app wallets, thereby compelling users to continue playing.
₹3,522 Crore in Alleged Illegal Proceeds
According to the ED, matches involving bots and real players generated unlawful gains for the company. Between FY2022 and August 22, 2025, the agency estimates alleged illegal proceeds at approximately ₹3,522.05 crore.
So far, movable assets worth around ₹689 crore have been frozen. With the latest provisional attachment, the total value of attached or frozen assets has risen to approximately ₹1,194 crore.
Alleged Overseas Fund Diversion
The ED has further alleged that part of the proceeds was transferred abroad under the guise of foreign investment, while operational control and bank account management remained in India.
Prosecution Complaint Filed Under PMLA
On January 23, 2026, the agency filed a prosecution complaint before the Special PMLA Court (CCH-1) in Bengaluru. The investigation was initiated based on FIRs accusing WinZO of cheating, wrongful blocking of accounts, impersonation, and misuse of PAN details.
Complainants have alleged misuse of their KYC information, resulting in significant financial losses.
Earlier, on November 18, searches were conducted at 11 locations linked to online gaming operators, including WinZO and Gameskraft, covering corporate offices and residences of senior executives.
