ED probes links of 2 Jaipur bookies

The Enforcement Directorate ( ED) is now probing the “suspected” links of two absconding Jaipur- based bookies with the UAE- based crime syndicates as part of its investigations into the ` 4,000 crore alleged hawala and moneylaundering case against some betting syndicates that targeted the just- concluded IPL T- 20 cricket matches.

Sources said, “The agency sleuths are now scrutinising call detail records of certain accused persons who were recently arrested in connection with the case”. It may be recalled that the ED on May 11 had arrested two Delhi- based persons in this regard. We are now examining links of the arrested persons, including two absconding Jaipur- based bookies — with the UAE- based crime syndicates, sources said adding that their alleged links with the infamous Dcompany is also being probed.

“ED officials recovered over 250 cellphones, hard drives, laptops and other computer material during recent searches in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi in connection with the case. The agency has already sent laptops and hard drives for forensic examination. Now we are waiting for the forensic reports,” sources said. The probe is being handled by ED’s Ahmedabad office which is investigating charges relating to hawala and Prevention of Money-Laundering Act ( PMLA).

On March 19 this year, ED’s Ahmedabad office had claimed to have busted the alleged betting racket and arrested some bookies from a farmhouse on the outskirts of Vadodara city in Gujarat.