The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated the registration of a money-laundering case against eight betting applications, notably including the Fairplay app, which recently garnered attention due to promotion by Bollywood figures. This legal action stems from an FIR filed by Viacom18, detailing the involvement of the Fairplay app and other similar applications in the illicit broadcasting of IPL tournaments on their streaming platforms.
The FIR indicated that during the 2023 IPL tournament, when Viacom18 held the broadcasting rights, apps like Fairplay utilized unauthorized software to live-stream the matches on their websites, concurrently accepting bets on the ongoing games. Moreover, the FIR implicated actors and singers who allegedly endorsed advertisements, encouraging individuals to watch IPL matches on these unauthorized apps.
According to the FIR, Fairplay engaged in extensive promotional activities, not only utilizing social media platforms but also placing advertisements on trains, metros, and billboards throughout the city.
In a parallel context, the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into the Mahadev app case revealed the pivotal role played by Bollywood personalities in promoting the app. Connections between app promoters and the underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim's brother, Mushtaqeen, were unveiled. The probe disclosed how some politicians illicitly amassed significant wealth by deceiving innocent individuals into participating in betting activities on the platform.
Bollywood rapper Badshah, along with several other celebrities, was accused of endorsing the betting app and encouraging viewers to use the application to watch cricket matches. The case also encompassed allegations related to digital piracy and the violation of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
The Fairplay app, allegedly associated with the Mahadev Open Book (MOB) platform, was originally reported in April 2023, based on a complaint lodged by Vinitchandra Sharma, the vice-president of the legal department at Viacom 18. The complaint asserted that the accused apps, including Fairplay, illicitly streamed Viacom 18's content without legal authorization, resulting in a financial loss of over Rs 100 crore for the company.
The Viacom 18 anti-piracy team previously identified seven apps, including Pikashow, Foxi, Vedu, Smart Player Lite app, Film Plus app, Tea TV app, and Wow TV app, allegedly engaged in the unauthorized display of serials, reality shows, and other content from Viacom 18 platforms. Subsequently, the anti-piracy team discovered that from March 31, 2023, to April 7, 2023, the Fairplay app had also unlawfully live-streamed Tata IPL matches.
