Major Crackdown on Ticket Scalping: ED Uncovers Fraud Behind Coldplay & Diljit Dosanjh Concerts
(Judicial Quest News Network)
In a significant judicial inquiry, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the illegal sale of tickets for the highly anticipated concerts of Coldplay and Diljit Dosanjh’s “Dilluminati.” This investigation has spanned major Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Bangalore.
The excitement surrounding these concerts has been palpable, with official ticketing partners, such as Bookmyshow and Zomato Live, reporting that tickets sold out within minutes. This rapid sellout has, unfortunately, led to a surge in black-market ticket sales, where individuals are charged exorbitant prices for entry.
Reports indicate a growing number of fans have been victimized by fraudulent ticket sales, encountering counterfeit tickets or exorbitantly priced legitimate ones. In response, multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed across various states, including one initiated by Bookmyshow against suspects exploiting concertgoers. The FIR outlines allegations of selling counterfeit tickets and price inflation, capitalizing on the high demand for these events.
In accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the ED has executed search operations on October 25, 2024, at over 13 locations across the five aforementioned states. This operation aimed to uncover illegal ticket sales and trace the financial networks underpinning these fraudulent activities. Seized materials included mobile phones, laptops, and SIM cards, believed to have been instrumental in the execution of the scam.
The investigation underscores the urgent need for regulatory oversight in ticket sales, particularly when demand is extraordinarily high, which often leads consumers to resort to unofficial channels. Evidence gathered during the ED’s investigation has implicated multiple individuals who allegedly utilized social media platforms, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram, to disseminate counterfeit tickets.
As the investigation progresses, it is crucial for the judiciary to ensure that victims of this scam receive justice, and that those responsible for perpetrating these crimes are held accountable. The ramifications of such fraudulent activities extend beyond financial loss, impacting the overall integrity of event ticketing systems in India. Further developments will be closely monitored as the ED continues its inquiries into this pressing issue.