Illegal Betting Platform Misuses eSewa Brand, Falsely Lists Nepali Celebrities as Ambassadors

Kathmandu. A network of online betting platforms has been found misusing the name of Nepal's digital wallet service eSewa to promote illegal gambling activities targeting Nepali users during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.

The platforms, operating under the domains esewa12.app, esewa12.org, esewa12casino.com, and esewa12casinonp.com falsely present themselves as being associated with eSewa and market themselves as Nepal's "casino platform."

The websites also use a Nepali mobile number for customer support and claim that users can directly withdraw winnings to their eSewa digital wallets. To enhance their credibility, the platforms repeatedly use the name "eSewa 12 Nepal" throughout their websites.

An examination of the websites shows that the platforms are operated by the “Himalayan Harmony Group”. Further investigation indicates that the same group is also behind several other betting platforms targeting Nepali users, including 8Mbets, MJ88, Esewa12, Magar33, and NPR77.

The platforms also falsely claim endorsements from several well-known Nepali personalities. Cricketers Sandeep Lamichhane and Sompal Kami are listed as brand ambassadors for Magar33, while TikToker Annie Lepcha and singer Melina Rai are claimed as ambassadors for Esewa12. Actress Keki Adhikari is named as the face of MJ88, and singer Sabin Rai and model Kavita Nepali are associated with Magar33. However, these endorsement claims are false.

Responding to inquiries regarding the misuse of its brand, eSewa clarified that it has no affiliation with the betting platforms. "eSewa never operates betting or gambling sites. This is a complete misuse of our brand and name, and we are exploring legal remedies against it," a company representative said.

Gambling and betting are prohibited under Nepali law, whether conducted through physical venues or online platforms. As part of the current government's 100-point governance reform agenda, the Cabinet had directed authorities to shut down betting websites within 24 hours of their identification.

According to the government, more than 200,000 betting platforms have been blocked so far. Despite the crackdown, new betting websites continue to emerge under different names, particularly during major international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: असार २८, २०८३ २२:०