Enforcement Directorate Freezes Winzo Funds in Money Laundering Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached overseas bank balances worth ₹505 crore linked to real-money gaming platform Winzo as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation. According to a press release dated February 18, 2026, the ED’s Bengaluru Zonal Office attached movable assets worth $55.69 million held in bank accounts in the United States and Singapore.
Overseas Accounts Linked to Winzo Entities
The attached accounts are maintained under Winzo US Inc. and Winzo SG Pte. Ltd., which the ED alleges are controlled by the company’s founders. The agency claims these overseas entities were used to hold funds suspected to be linked to proceeds of crime generated through the platform’s operations.
Earlier, the ED conducted search and seizure operations at Winzo’s office premises on November 18, 2025, followed by searches at its accounting firm on December 30, 2025. A prosecution complaint was subsequently filed before the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Bengaluru on January 23, 2026.
Allegations of Unfair Gaming Practices
According to the ED, Winzo allegedly engaged in practices such as allowing users to compete against bots, AI systems, or algorithms without disclosure. The agency also claimed that the company restricted withdrawals and earned rake commissions from matches involving bots and real users.
The ED estimates that Winzo generated alleged proceeds of crime worth ₹3,522.05 crore between FY22 and August 2025. A portion of these funds was reportedly transferred overseas under the guise of investments.
Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies on Gaming Sector
With the latest attachment, the total proceeds of crime frozen or attached in the case have reached approximately ₹1,194 crore. The investigation remains ongoing, highlighting increased regulatory scrutiny on India’s rapidly growing real-money gaming sector.
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