ECI published donor-related details on its website

This comes in sync with the Supreme Court verdict

Martin's company procured bonds worth RS 1350 crore!

On Thursday, the Election Commission of India put out details about electoral bond purchasers, in sync with the Supreme Court verdict. 

One of the purchasers was Future Gaming and Hotel Services, a firm associated with Santiago Martin, renowned as the ‘Lottery King’. 

His company procured electoral bonds exceeding ₹1,350 crore via two separate sets of companies. 

Let’s have a look at his journey: 

Martin’s journey commenced as a laborer in Yangon, Myanmar. 

Upon returning to India, he initiated his lottery enterprise in Tamil Nadu in 1988, subsequently expanding to various states, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Punjab. 

Future Gaming Solutions India Pvt Ltd, under Martin’s leadership, secured membership in the esteemed World Lottery Association. His ventures extend beyond lotteries to encompass construction, real estate, textiles, and hospitality. Presently, Martin is venturing into online gaming, casinos, and sports betting domains.

Over the years, Martin and his company have faced multiple investigations for suspected tax evasion, money laundering, and fraudulent activities. In 2023, ED seized assets worth approximately ₹457 crore, following alleged losses exceeding ₹900 crore to the Sikkim government from a fraudulent lottery sale in Kerala.

Martin’s contributions have garnered recognition, including being hailed as India’s top personal taxpayer. He was honored with the ‘Best Lottery Professional Award’ in 2000 by PGRI (Public Gaming Research Institute), USA, and a gold medal for Business Excellence by the Foundation for Excellence in Business Practice, Geneva, in 2004. Additionally, he holds honorary doctorates from Yorker International University, Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano, and The International Tamil University.