Naval Intelligence Busts Cross-State Defense Gambling Syndicate
Indian Naval Intelligence has uncovered a sprawling gambling network linked to current and former military personnel across Chennai and Maharashtra, triggering a high-level internal investigation into potential security risks and espionage ties.
Defense Gambling Syndicate Exposed
The probe revealed that a naval petty officer operating from a key maritime base orchestrated the syndicate, collaborating with civilian associates and other armed forces personnel. The ring facilitated access to offshore online betting platforms, using controlled access codes and digital wallets for operations spanning multiple regions.
Preliminary findings suggest many involved service members accrued significant losses, raising concerns that gambling debts may have prompted coercion or blackmail—possibly steering affected individuals toward espionage in order to settle dues.
Siblings at the Center of Operations
Central figures in the investigation are Petty Officer Anil Tholia of the Indian Navy and his brother, Pankaj Tholia, an Army artilleryman stationed in Deolali. Anil is accused of managing the Navy arm of the operation, including three unique betting IDs linked to an overseas bookmaker, while Pankaj allegedly recruited fellow soldiers via WhatsApp groups, channelling funds through separate accounts.
Ongoing Inquiry and Military Discipline
Both officers are currently under the scrutiny of a Court of Inquiry—an armed forces mechanism for internal investigation. Upon gathering substantive evidence, authorities may recommend a Summary of Evidence, potentially leading to courts-martial and formal charges. Military officials acknowledge that officers implicated in gambling are already subject to disciplinary measures.
