KATHMANDU: Kathmandu police have uncovered a sophisticated gambling fraud at Casino Waldo, operated by Waldo Dynastic Entertainment Pvt Ltd at Chhaya Center in Thamel, where cheaters used magnetic playing cards and special eye lenses to deceive players.
The District Police Range, Kathmandu, made the disclosure at a press conference on Wednesday, announcing the arrest of six people, including the alleged ringleader of an Indian gang.
Those arrested include Indian nationals Suresh Mahajan (57), Dinesh Verma (37), Vikram Singh (31), and Pramod Maurya, along with Nepali nationals Chija Khadka and Bhawani Pandey.
According to police, the gang organized a special gambling event under the pretext of hosting an “Indian Flush” game at Casino Waldo from December 11 to 13. Investigations revealed that seven to ten gaming tables were booked for the event, while 40 rooms at Aloft Hotel, 50 at Marriott, and 20 at Radisson were reserved to accommodate participants.
Police identified Suresh Mahajan as the main mastermind behind the operation. Mahajan reportedly runs the ‘Mahakaya Group’ and is involved in real estate business in Rohini, Delhi. He has allegedly organized similar gambling events in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
The group reportedly brought 40 to 50 Indian players to Nepal. Key players, including Dinesh Verma, Vikram Singh and Pramod Maurya, carried magnetic playing cards and special eye lenses from Delhi. Police said the lenses could be worn for two to three hours and, when used with magnetic cards, allowed players to identify the card number and suit.
An agreement was reportedly in place whereby 90 percent of the winnings went to the event organizers, while players received the remaining 10 percent.
On the Nepali side, Janardan Upreti alias ‘Binod’ of BP Group played a central organizing role, police said. He allegedly handled hotel bookings, air tickets, table arrangements, bill payments and the management of dummy players. Upreti, along with Gaurav Khatri, Niraj Kumar alias Monu, Hira Shekhar Malli Puri, Kamal Kharbanda and Mukesh, remains absconding.
Police have seized magnetic card packets, special lenses and liquids, multiple ATM cards, air tickets and passports from the site. Investigations also revealed that Nepali women Chija Khadka, Bhawani Pandey, Pratima Bhujel and Prerana were involved as dummy dealers.
Police further stated that the gang had maintained contact with operators of Casino Pride, including Binay Sah and Dawa Sherpa, while carrying out similar activities.
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