WinZO founders arrested by ED in 500 crore scam

India’s online gaming sector has been hit hard after the arrest of WinZO Games’ co-founders, Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore, by law enforcement authorities. The duo, who built WinZO into one of India’s top social gaming platforms, were taken into custody over alleged violations linked to financial irregularities and regulatory non-compliance.

Sources reveal that the arrests followed extensive investigations into digital payment flows, user data management, and compliance with gaming and IT regulations. Officials claim that certain operational activities were inconsistent with Indian guidelines for online gaming and interactive entertainment platforms.

WinZO, known for offering skill-based games in multiple regional languages, has attracted millions of users and major investors, including global venture funds. The founders’ detention has raised concerns among industry players, investors, and startups about the regulatory uncertainty surrounding India’s fast-growing gaming ecosystem.

Industry experts warn that the episode could influence upcoming policy decisions and potentially impact investor sentiment in the short term. Meanwhile, WinZO’s spokesperson stated that the company is cooperating fully with the authorities and will ensure complete transparency throughout the process.

The incident serves as a critical reminder for India’s gaming startups to strengthen compliance frameworks and align more closely with evolving digital regulations.