The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted coordinated search operations in various locations including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Coimbatore, focusing on a case involving the website Magicwin and its associates. This operation was carried out alongside the Cyber Crime Police Station in Ahmedabad, targeting alleged violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
During these searches, officials confiscated incriminating documents, several digital devices, and a substantial sum of cash totaling Rs 30 lakh. They also froze around Rs 2 crore in assets and identified certain cryptocurrency wallets containing an estimated Rs 12 crore, instructing crypto exchanges not to convert the assets held within these wallets.
The investigation was prompted by a complaint and a formal FIR lodged at the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police Station, alleging that the website www.magicwin.games had unlawfully streamed ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 matches, which had exclusive broadcasting rights purchased by Star India Pvt. Ltd. from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Magicwin is designed to be accessible through any internet-enabled device, allowing users to watch its paid content for free. Allegedly, this site illegally broadcasted matches such as Canada vs. Ireland on June 7, 2024, and India vs. Pakistan on June 9, 2024, using a link that streamed content directly from Disney+ Hotstar. This unauthorized streaming has reportedly resulted in significant financial losses for the company that holds the legal broadcasting rights.
Furthermore, the ED's findings indicated that Magicwin had engaged in unlawful activities, including live betting on cricket matches and similar games, while offering these unauthorized broadcasts without requiring a subscription fee. This practice was designed to lure in individuals who were unsuspecting and potential bettors in hopes of capitalizing on their interest in the cricket matches.
5 Comments
BuggaBoom
Unauthorized manipulation of links to bypass paid subscriptions is unethical and harms the entire digital ecosystem. We should support honest and sustainable business models. 🤝
Noir Black
Good riddance to Magicwin! They offered nothing but illegal content and gambling, putting innocent people at risk. Let's hope this sets an example for other rogue websites. 💯
Loubianka
The financial loss for Star India due to Magicwin's actions is concerning. Such illegal activities need to be stopped to ensure fair competition and respect intellectual property rights. 💯
Katchuka
This is a win for content creators and legitimate businesses! The ED and Cyber Crime Police deserve all the praise for taking down Magicwin. 💪
Karamba
Using cricket as a platform for illegal betting is extremely irresponsible. It poses a danger to vulnerable individuals and promotes harmful activities. 🙏