ED Flags WinZO: ₹177 Cr Illicit Gains, Bot Use, Founder Non-Cooperation in PMLA Probe

• WinZO challenged ED's PMLA search operations and freezing orders in Karnataka HC, citing lack of "reasons to believe."
• ED alleged 5 FIRs, 298 user complaints, and fraudulent practices like using "PPP" algorithm to pit users against bots, generating ₹177 crore illicit gains.
• ED claimed WinZO misled users, restricted withdrawals, held ₹43 crore gamer funds post-ban, and diverted funds to foreign subsidiaries.
• ED alleged WinZO founder Saumya Singh Rathore obstructed investigations; Rathore and Paavan Nanda are in judicial custody.
• WinZO offered ₹220 crore bank guarantees against ED's ₹505 crore freeze; court adjourned for ED's response on the offer.

Why It Matters: ED flags WinZO for ₹177 Cr illicit gains, bot use, and founder non-cooperation; WinZO challenges ED actions.