Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Panaji Zonal Office, conducted intensive search operations on September 28 and 29, 2025, at multiple locations linked to M/s Golden Globe Hotels Pvt. Ltd., M/s Worldwide Resorts and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., and Big Daddy Casino, Goa, including premises in Goa, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Rajkot. The move comes amid ongoing investigations into cross-border gambling and money laundering activities facilitated via Goa’s casinos.
During the raids in Goa, the ED seized approximately ₹2.25 crore in cash, USD 14,000, and other foreign currencies worth around ₹8.5 lakh. The probe revealed that poker chips were being exchanged for foreign currency, and winnings were disbursed abroad based on customer requirements. Multiple online casino platforms, including Win Daddy, Poker Daddy, and iCasino247.com, were being promoted by casino staff operating out of Goa.
Investigators also found that cryptocurrency wallets of poker players were being used for financial transactions, with USDT transfers routed through angadia networks to Dubai and other international destinations. Several mule accounts were identified to deposit and withdraw gambling winnings, which were then moved abroad. Over ₹90 lakh in cryptocurrencies, including USDT, were frozen during the operation.
The ED said the seizures and digital evidence collected establish clear violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and highlight Goa’s role as a hub in cross-border gambling and crypto-linked transactions. Investigations are ongoing.
