ED conducts multi-state raids, including Meghalaya, in Santiago Martin lottery scam

Guwahati, Nov 19: In a major crackdown, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has conducted search operations at 22 premises in Meghalaya and five other states in the Santiago Martin Lottery Scam.

The operation is linked to the ongoing investigation by ED against Santiago Martin and his entity, M/s Future Gaming and Hotel Services Private Limited, along with other associates. Four printing presses involved in lottery ticket production were also targeted during the raids.

The ED’s investigation stems from an FIR lodged by the Meghalaya Police based on a complaint from the Director of Meghalaya State Lottery. The case was subsequently taken up by the CBI, incorporating related FIRs filed by the Kerala Police.

The other states where raids were conducted are Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

“The allegations revolve around widespread illegal practices in the lottery business. These include monopolizing the lottery market, selling counterfeit tickets, manipulating prize winnings, and converting black money into white by purchasing high-value winning tickets through cash transactions. These activities have allegedly resulted in significant losses to the state exchequer and the public” the ED said in a statement.

Over 90% of the company’s lottery business revolves around tickets priced at Rs 6, with most prizes under Rs 10,000—amounts exempt from tax. The company reportedly maintains no proper records of prize winners, sold, and unsold tickets. Additionally, lottery schemes are designed to ensure substantial profits for the company while providing minimal revenue to organizing states.

The search has resulted in the recovery and seizure of unexplained cash amounting to Rs. 12.41 Crore, various digital devices and incriminating documents. Further freezing of bank FDR of Rs.6.42 Crore has also been done during the search operation. Records of huge investments in immovable properties at Coimbatore Chennai, Mumbai, Dubai and London have also been found. They have made huge investments in the share market also.

In the previous investigation in the matter at ED, Kochi, it was found that Martin Santiago and his company had acquired Proceeds of Crime of around Rs. 920 Crore in the lottery business, out of which properties of Rs. 622 Crore have been attached and Prosecution Complaint has been filed, trial on which is in progress.

Further investigation is under progress.

Read: Exercise POORVI PRAHAR: Indian Armed Forces flex joint combat power in Arunachal Pradesh

WATCH:

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Chief Secy DP Wahlang meets with NEHU’s protesting students, urges them to suspend hunger strike

1st wild elephant radio-collared in Assam to mitigate conflict with humans