The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted search operations at the Bengaluru office of Mohalla Tech, the parent company of social media platforms ShareChat and Moj, as part of its widening money laundering investigation into online gaming company Gameskraft Technologies. The searches form part of a broader probe in which the agency is examining the flow of funds between Gameskraft and several companies that allegedly provided technology, marketing, and other business services. Mohalla Tech has not been named as an accused in the case, and the searches are understood to be part of the ED’s effort to gather information and evidence related to financial transactions under scrutiny.
The action comes days after the ED provisionally attached ₹1,906 crore worth of assets linked to Gameskraft and expanded its investigation to multiple entities connected to the online gaming ecosystem. According to the agency, the broader probe relates to allegations of cheating, manipulation of real-money gaming through automated systems, and laundering of proceeds generated from those activities. Gameskraft has denied wrongdoing, and the allegations remain subject to judicial scrutiny.
ED Expands Gameskraft Money Laundering Investigation
The searches at Mohalla Tech are part of a larger investigation involving several companies.
According to reports, the ED has recently searched or examined entities including:
- Mohalla Tech (ShareChat and Moj parent).
- InMobi Technology Services.
- Nirdesa Network.
- Other businesses linked through commercial relationships with Gameskraft.
Investigators are reviewing financial records, agreements, digital evidence, and fund flows to determine whether any transactions are connected to the alleged laundering of proceeds of crime.
Investigation Snapshot
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Investigating Agency | Enforcement Directorate (ED) |
| Law Invoked | Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) |
| Primary Probe | Alleged money laundering involving Gameskraft Technologies |
| Latest Action | Search at Mohalla Tech’s Bengaluru office |
| Mohalla Tech Status | Searched for evidence; not named as an accused |
Why Mohalla Tech Came Under the Scanner
While the ED has not publicly alleged wrongdoing by Mohalla Tech, investigators are examining companies that may have had commercial dealings with Gameskraft.
The searches are aimed at:
- Collecting documents related to business transactions.
- Examining digital records and electronic evidence.
- Tracing movement of funds.
- Verifying whether payments between entities have any connection with the alleged proceeds of crime.
Searches under the PMLA do not, by themselves, imply guilt, and companies may be subject to investigation as part of evidence collection.
Background of the Gameskraft Case
This latest search follows an earlier move in the same probe, when the ED provisionally attached ₹1,906 crore worth of assets linked to Gameskraft.
The ED’s investigation stems from multiple FIRs registered in Telangana alleging cheating in connection with online real-money gaming platforms.
According to the agency:
- Gameskraft Technologies and affiliated entities operated online rummy platforms under brands including RummyCulture, RummyPrime, Playship, and RummyTime.
- The platforms allegedly served around 3 crore users across India.
- Investigators claim automated bot accounts were used to influence gameplay and generate unlawful proceeds.
- The agency has provisionally attached assets worth ₹1,906 crore linked to the case.
Gameskraft has disputed the allegations and continues to challenge the agency’s actions through legal proceedings.
Recent ED Actions
| Action | Status |
|---|---|
| Searches at Gameskraft offices | Conducted in May and June 2026 |
| Attachment of assets | ₹1,906 crore provisionally attached |
| Expansion of probe | Searches extended to associated entities, including Mohalla Tech |
Implications for ShareChat
There is currently no indication that ShareChat’s consumer platforms or users are directly linked to the allegations involving Gameskraft.
At this stage:
- ShareChat’s operations continue as normal.
- Mohalla Tech has not been accused of money laundering.
- The searches appear to be investigative in nature as the ED gathers evidence related to the broader Gameskraft case.
The company has not publicly commented in detail on the searches.
Looking Ahead
The ED’s search at Mohalla Tech’s Bengaluru office signals that the Gameskraft investigation is widening beyond the online gaming company itself to include businesses that may have had financial or commercial interactions with it. As investigators continue examining digital records, contracts, and fund flows, additional companies could be asked to provide documents or cooperate with the probe. However, such investigative actions should not be interpreted as findings of wrongdoing, and the legal process remains ongoing.
Looking ahead, the case is expected to remain closely watched by India’s startup and technology sectors, particularly as enforcement agencies increasingly scrutinize financial transactions involving digital platforms. Any future enforcement actions or court rulings could have broader implications for compliance standards, corporate governance, and due diligence practices across India’s fast-growing internet and online gaming industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the ED search ShareChat’s parent company?
The Enforcement Directorate searched the Bengaluru office of Mohalla Tech, the parent company of ShareChat and Moj, as part of its widening money laundering investigation into Gameskraft Technologies, examining fund flows between Gameskraft and companies that allegedly provided it technology, marketing and other services.
Is Mohalla Tech accused of wrongdoing?
No. Mohalla Tech has not been named as an accused in the case; the searches are understood to be part of the ED’s effort to gather information and evidence related to financial transactions under scrutiny.
What is the Gameskraft money laundering case about?
The ED’s investigation stems from multiple FIRs in Telangana alleging cheating on Gameskraft’s online rummy platforms — including RummyCulture, RummyPrime, Playship and RummyTime — with claims that automated bot accounts were used to influence gameplay and that proceeds were laundered; Gameskraft has denied wrongdoing.
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