IN A major breakthrough, a joint operation by the Gujarat and Chhattisgarh Police culminated in the arrest of Dinesh Vyas, a key figure behind the extensive hawala network linked to the infamous Mahadev App. The arrest, which took place after an intense two-month pursuit, marks a crucial step in the ongoing crackdown on one of India’s most elaborate betting and money laundering operations. On July 3, authorities issued a nationwide alert for 65-yearold Dinesh Vyas, which led law enforcement agencies to locate him from his native village Brahmanway, under Chansma police station limits, in Patan district of Gujarat, as part of a secretive operation. Strikingly, the arrest comes after what police officials describe as a “relentless” pursuit across multiple states. Vyas had been on the run since he first caught wind of the investigation, employing various tactics to stay ahead of the authorities. Despite his attempts to remain undetected, the coordinated efforts of the Gujarat and Chhattisgarh Police, along with support from local intelligence networks, eventually led to his capture.

 

After his arrest by the Gujarat Police, he was placed on transit remand and subsequently transported to Durg, Chhattisgarh, for further investigation. This sequence of events underscores the importance of his capture, as Vyas is believed to hold critical information that could unravel the complex web of financial transactions tied to the Mahadev App. “Vyas, son of Girjshankar Vyas, was arrested on Aug 11th at around 9.10 pm. Next day, he was brought to Durg on a 3-day transit remand that ended on Aug 15th after which he was produced in a local court from which granted Police Custody Remand (PCR) till Aug 16. Hereafter, he was sent to Jail under Judicial Custody Remand,” a senior official of Durg Police told The Hitavada requesting anonymity.

 

According to sources close to the investigation, Vyas played a pivotal role in the hawala operations that powered the Mahadev App’s financial ecosystem. His responsibilities included orchestrating the transfer of vast sums of money across international borders, using a complex network of intermediaries to carry out transactions that were designed to be nearly impossible to trace. “Vyas’s role was critical, as he managed the financial flows that kept the app’s operations running smoothly, making him a central figure in the money laundering activities that have now come to light. Vyas’s arrest is expected to yield valuable insights into the financial networks that supported the app,” the sources underscored. Sources also averred that the capture of Dinesh Vyas is not just a victory for the Gujarat and Chhattisgarh Police, but also a significant development in the broader efforts to curb illegal betting and money laundering in India.

 

“The joint police operation leading to Vyas’s capture highlights the collaborative efforts being employed to tackle this issue, with authorities across multiple states working together to dismantle the networks that facilitate these illegal activities. Vyas’s arrest is expected to accelerate ongoing investigations into the Mahadev App, potentially leading to more breakthroughs in the near future,” they asserted.