Indian authorities are investigating shell companies and casinos in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Georgia in connection with a money laundering case tied to Karnataka Congress MLA K C Veerendra, also known as “Puppy.” The Indian investigation is expanding due to its international links, highlighting the reach of operations beyond India.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) suspects that Veerendra maintained ties with both online and offline betting operators in India. Over the weekend, the agency named five Goa casinos—Casino Gold, Oceans Rivers Casino, Casino Pride, Ocean 7 Casino, and Big Daddy Casino—as well as several online betting sites as part of the probe. The ties between these operators and Indian entities are under scrutiny.
Investigators believe these operations helped launder funds from cyber fraud. They also uncovered profit-sharing details suggesting Veerendra may have used overseas casinos as offshore businesses, further complicating the legal proceedings in India.
Authorities arrested Veerendra in Sikkim on Saturday and secured custody until August 28. The MLA also faces scrutiny over his attempt to buy Land Casino from lottery mogul Santiago Martin, who himself is under Indian investigation for money laundering.
Martin, long known for hefty political donations across party lines, remains a key figure in the broader Indian case concerning illegal financial activities in India.
