Massive Crackdown on Unauthorised Streaming of T20 World Cup: ED Seizes Crore-Worth Assets

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in conjunction with the Gujarat Police, conducted searches in multiple states to probe alleged unauthorized streaming of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 matches by a betting website, Magicwin. The investigation revealed illegal activities, including financial losses to authorized broadcasters.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), in collaboration with the Gujarat Police, conducted an extensive search operation across multiple states on Monday. The action was part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation related to unauthorized streaming of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 matches by a betting website.

According to an official statement, 20 premises in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Coimbatore were searched. The probe targets the Magicwin web portal, which allegedly hosted, streamed, and broadcast the cricket matches illegally. The broadcasting rights for the tournament were assigned to Star India Private Limited.

The website, Magicwin, reportedly broadcast matches for free to lure people into betting. This unauthorized activity resulted in substantial financial losses for the official broadcaster, Disney+Hotstar. Authorities claimed that incriminating records and digital devices were confiscated during the searches, along with the seizure of Rs 30 lakh in cash. Additionally, Rs 2 crore was frozen, and crypto wallets containing Rs 12 crore were identified.

(With inputs from agencies.)