ED Raids Karnataka MLA Over Gaming Scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched extensive searches on Friday targeting properties linked to Karnataka Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra Pappy in a high-profile money laundering probe tied to online gaming and betting. The raids, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), covered over 17 locations, including the residences of Pappy, his brothers K.C. Nagaraja and K.C. Tippeswamy, and associate Hosamane Swamy in Chitradurga, Bengaluru, and Goa.

Pappy, a legislator from Chitradurga and son-in-law of Kannada actor Doddanna, is suspected of channeling illicit funds through companies like Ratna Gold and Ratna Gaming Solutions. The ED alleges these entities facilitated illegal money transfers to gaming apps. This follows a 2016 Income Tax raid uncovering ₹5.7 crore in cash and 32 kg of gold at Pappy’s home, linked to a demonetization scam.

The Congress slammed the raids as politically motivated, with leaders alleging central agencies are targeting opposition figures ahead of elections. Pappy, currently on a business trip, has not commented. The operation, led by a Delhi-based ED team, continues to investigate financial trails and potential casino links in Goa.

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