Six held in illegal gambling racket
At a press conference on Wednesday, the Kathmandu District Police Range confirmed that the suspects were taken into custody for running unauthorized casino games.
KATHMANDU: Police have arrested six members of an Indian gambling syndicate for operating illegal gambling activities at Waldo Casino, located in Chhaya Center, Thamel.
At a press conference on Wednesday, the Kathmandu District Police Range confirmed that the suspects were taken into custody for running unauthorized casino games.
Police spokesperson and Superintendent Pawan Kumar Bhattarai said the arrested include Indian national and alleged gang leader Suresh Mahajan, along with Pramod Moriya, Dinesh Verma, Bikram Singh, Chija Khadka, and Bhawani Pandey.
According to police, Mahajan is the main operator of an Indian “casino event” network and is linked to the Acharya Casino Event Group and BP & Mahakay Group.
Investigations revealed that these groups have been running illegal gambling operations in the name of casino events across Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Police have also identified seven more individuals, including Nepali nationals, allegedly involved in fraud under the cover of illegal casino activities.
A search operation is currently underway to locate them.
During the raid, police seized playing cards, sensor-based devices, lenses, and other gambling-related equipment used in illegal gaming.
Authorities also found evidence that gambling transactions were being conducted through the hundi (illegal money transfer) system.
Police disclosed that around 70 casino players entered Nepal on Mangsir 25, while nearly 200 people from India arrived as multiple groups joined the event.
The gang reportedly arranged air tickets, accommodation, and meals for the gamblers.
Superintendent Bhattarai stated that such illegal gambling activities have had a negative impact on Nepal’s casino tourism, and further investigation into the case is ongoing.
