ED Arrests Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra in Illegal Betting Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra in Sikkim in connection with a large-scale illegal online and offline betting racket. The arrest followed nationwide raids at 31 locations, during which the agency seized Rs 12 crore in cash, gold, and other assets. The ED alleges that Veerendra, also known as "Puppy", was operating several betting portals and had links to international casinos, with funds being managed from Dubai by his relatives.
Unpacked:
KC Veerendra is accused of running online betting platforms such as King567, Raja567, Puppy's003, and Rathna Gaming. Additionally, he was linked to five prominent casinos in Goa: Puppy's Casino Gold, Ocean Rivers Casino, Puppy's Casino Pride, Ocean 7 Casino, and Big Daddy Casino.
Veerendra’s brother, KC Thippeswamy, allegedly operated three Dubai-based business entities—Diamond Softech, TRS Technologies, and Prime9Technologies—connected to call centre services and online gaming operations used for managing the betting racket’s finances.
The ED seized Rs 12 crore in cash (including Rs 1 crore in foreign currency), gold worth Rs 6 crore, about 10 kg of silver, four luxury vehicles, numerous international casino membership cards, multiple credit/debit cards, and property documents. They also froze 17 bank accounts and two bank lockers.
If convicted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, KC Veerendra could face imprisonment, heavy fines, and confiscation of assets proven to be linked to illegal activities. His political career may also be jeopardized, and further criminal charges could be filed depending on ongoing investigations.