India’s ED raids 11 locations linked to WinZO and Gamezkraft in probe into alleged algorithm manipulation and crypto-money laundering

On 18 November 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched coordinated raids at 11 premises connected to online gaming firms WinZO and Gamezkraft across Bengaluru, Delhi and Gurugram, amid allegations of rigged algorithms and cryptocurrency-driven money-laundering.

Five premises in Bengaluru, four in Delhi and two in Gurugram were searched, including corporate offices and senior executives’ residences. According to officials, FIRs submitted by users accuse the companies of manipulating app-algorithms to disadvantage gamers. The ED also uncovered promoter-linked crypto wallets, triggering a money-laundering trail via digital assets.

The enforcement action comes as India’s regulatory scrutiny of the real-money gaming sector intensifies following the introduction of the Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. In response to the raids, both WinZO and Gamezkraft reportedly suspended real-money gaming services in India.

For gambling operators, regulators and affiliates, the operation highlights increasing risk around compliance, transparency and algorithmic fairness in online gaming. The broader implications include heightened regulatory focus on backend systems, fintech/payment-flows and the interplay between gaming, cryptocurrency and law-enforcement.