The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday mentioned it has taken possession of funds value Rs. 90 crore, saved in cryptocurrency wallets of exchanges like Binance, ZebPay and WazirX, as a part of a cash laundering investigation linked to an internet gaming app “rip-off”.

“These crypto belongings had been subsequently taken into possession and transferred into the crypto pockets of the ED,” the federal company mentioned in a press release.

The investigation pertains to an internet gaming rip-off app “rip-off” known as ‘E-Nugget’ that masqueraded as a gaming platform and “promised” customers excessive returns on their investments.

An FIR filed on the Park Avenue Police Station of Kolkata turned the premise of the ED case that was registered underneath the provisions of the Prevention of Cash Laundering Act (PMLA).

The app provided a sequence of engaging video games designed for real-money wagering promised customers hefty commissions and painted an image of a “golden funding” alternative, the ED mentioned.

Nonetheless, this facade shortly fell aside as soon as investments had been made with the app going darkish and leaving buyers stranded with no approach to reclaim their funds, it mentioned.

The ED mentioned it uncovered the alleged unlawful actions of the app in 2022 and located that part of the ill-gotten beneficial properties was invested in digital belongings.

About 2,500 mule or dummy financial institution accounts had been recognized, it mentioned.

The company mentioned it sought particulars of crypto wallets concerned on this case and held with cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance, ZebPay and WazirX.

“Info gathered from Binance and different exchanges led to the freezing of funds totalling practically Rs 90 crore out there in 70 accounts, maintained with Binance, ZebPay and WazirX holding funds, which had been linked to the rip-off,” it mentioned.

The company had arrested two folks — “mastermind” Aamir Khan and Romen Agarwal and likewise has filed a cost sheet within the case.

It has seized, hooked up or frozen a complete of Rs. 163 crore value of belongings on this case that includes money, cryptocurrencies, checking account balances, and a few workplaces.