Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation has revealed that the UAE-based headquarters of the Mahadev app used to provide OTPs to the panels for operating WhatsApp and Telegram and kept the SIM card with them. If a panel operator was caught, the headquarters staff used to log out from WhatsApp, preventing data recovery from the panel operator's mobile phone.
Complex network of Hawala transactions
According to sources and statements, the promoters of the Mahadev app have constructed a sophisticated network involving Hawala, shell companies, and fraudulent bank transactions, displaying a strong determination to erase any traces of evidence. Upon learning about the arrest or detention of any panel operators, they swiftly log out of WhatsApp or Telegram accounts linked with SIM numbers. Without a SIM card, it becomes nearly impossible for agencies to retrieve data from WhatsApp or Telegram. This operation is managed by a substantial staff operating from the Mahadev UAE-based head office, who individually coordinate with over 2,000 panel operators to prevent exposure and maintain control over the situation.
According to the Enforcement Directorate's investigation, Mahadev app's headquarters is intricately linked to its panel operators through dedicated WhatsApp and Telegram secret groups. Each panel operator maintains their own WhatsApp and Telegram group for direct communication with the head office.
HQ Account
In the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate, it is revealed that the panel operators are typically members of a private WhatsApp group known as "HQ Account." Within this HQ Account group, panel operators primarily exchange Hawala note numbers and details concerning Hawala operators, who serve as the source of funds for the Mahadev headquarters.
Additionally, in these groups, panel operators regularly share Excel sheets containing the weekly profit and loss statements for the panels. According to the chargesheet, Chandrakar and Uppal are reported to be earning a substantial amount, ranging from 30 to 40 lakhs, from panel operators as royalty per panel per month. The number of currently active panels has been estimated to be more than 2,000.
The Chandrakars and their associates have also established a managerial team connected through WhatsApp and Telegram, actively participating in Hawala operations. The core responsibility of this managerial team involves the collection of funds from panel operators and their subsequent transfer to the headquarters, accomplished through the use of various shell companies.
It is noteworthy that all these separate groups associated with panel operators operate using OTP-based WhatsApp authentication.
