Police in India have closed an investigation into promoter BookMyShow (BMS) over the ticket sale for Coldplay’s recent concerts in Mumbai after finding “no irregularities”.

The band played three 55,000-cap dates at Mumbai’s DY Patil Sports Stadium on 18-19 & 21 January as part of their Music of the Spheres World Tour.

Tickets, priced between 2,500 rupees (€27) to 12,000 rupees (€129), sold out within 30 minutes last September, only to quickly reappear on secondary ticketing platforms at up to 40x face value.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police launched a preliminary inquiry after lawyer Amit Vyas filed a criminal complaint against BMS and others, accusing the company of using bots to manipulate the sales process and colluding with resale sites to scalp tickets on the black market.

“Scalping and black marketing of tickets is strictly condemned and punishable by law in India and BookMyShow vehemently opposes this practice”

BMS, which said 13 million people attempted to buy tickets, denied any association with unauthorised secondary ticketing platforms and lodged a formal First Information Report (FIR) with law enforcement agencies.

“Scalping and black marketing of tickets is strictly condemned and punishable by law in India and BookMyShow vehemently opposes this practice,” it said at the time. “We have not only filed a complaint with the police authorities but are also proactively working with them to provide complete support in the investigation of this matter in any manner that may be required.”

The Hindustan Times reports that the EOW has now dropped the case, having found no evidence of ticket manipulation.

The week after their three Mumbai dates, Coldplay performed to 111,000 fans a night – the biggest shows of their career –at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, on 25-26 January. The two gigs also set a record as the largest stadium concerts of the 21st century.

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A Philippines senator has tabled a new bill promising stiff penalties for ticket touts including fines and jail terms

The Southeast Asian country hosted gigs by Coldplay and Dua Lipa in 2024, as well as Filipina-American singer Olivia Rodrigo’s biggest show to date, drawing more than 2.1 million fans across 154 concerts overall.

But senator Mark Villar warns that the increased demand has led to challenges “including the proliferation of ticket scalping or the practice of reselling admission tickets at an inflated or predatory price”.

Villar says the trend undermines “the consumers’ right to fair access to entertainment scenes” as well as “encouraging price gouging”, and has filed the Anti-Ticket Scalping Act. The bill seeks to prohibit touting in the country “to protect consumers from exploitation and guarantee fair access to events of their favourite artists or performers”.

Under the legislation, resale of tickets for more than 10% above face value would be banned.

“We filed this bill to stop or curb the worsening scalping in the country that is taking advantage of our fellow concertgoers or avid fans,” says Villar. It is no longer reasonable for these scalpers to charge inhumane prices for concert and event tickets.

“Our goal is to provide fair access to fans and concertgoers who truly desire to go to concerts at a reasonable price. They do not deserve the unrestrained exploitation of scalpers. Every fan and every Filipino deserves to enjoy concerts without being extorted by scammers.”

“These scalpers are scammers and we will not allow them to increase in number and continue to deceive Filipinos”

There is currently no specific law criminalising touting in the Philippines at a national level. However, the bill aims to prohibit the “offering, hoarding, selling, distributing, buying, dealing in, disposing of, or otherwise acquiring admission tickets for entertainment events, without written permission from the authorised event producer, organiser, and distributor”.

In addition, financing, managing, or operating ticket scalping activities “on a large scale” will also be penalised.

“As a prevention measure, event ticketing, event production and event service entities will also be required to publish or post reminders against scalping on their premises or websites,” says Villar. “They are also ordered to adopt and implement internal policy guidelines and mechanisms to prevent scalping activities among their employees, contractors and agents.”

According to the bill, anyone convicted of ticket scalping will be fined Php 100,000 (€1,673) and/or six months in prison for the first offence. The punishment could then increase to Php 500,000 (€8,364) and/or three years’ jail for the third and subsequent offences.

“In addition to the company, directors, members, officers and employees involved in scalping can also be held liable,” adds Villar. “We will actively promote and fight for the enactment of this bill against these scalpers and to give our countrymen fair access to concerts and events. These scalpers are scammers and we will not allow them to increase in number and continue to deceive Filipinos.”

An in-depth report on secondary ticketing regulation around the world will appear in the upcoming ILMC edition of IQ Magazine.

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Indian cyber police have issued a directive to BookMyShow (BMS), urging the ticketing platform to implement stricter rules on touting in the wake of recent controversies.

Police launched an investigation after tickets sold for Coldplay and Diljit Dosanjh concerts sold out in minutes via official partners BMS and Zomato Live, only to quickly appear on resale platforms at prices well above face value.

Some tickets sold on the black market also turned out to be fake, prompting an onstage apology by Dosanjh at his Jaipur show last weekend.

“If anyone has fallen victim to a ticketing scam, I apologise to that person,” he said, as per India Today. “We have not done this. Authorities are currently investigating the matter.”

India’s Directorate of Enforcement said it seized “incriminating” material after carrying out a series of raids across five states last month in connection with the matter.

“We look forward to collaborating with the government to provide support and assistance in the reduction and prevention of illegal ticket sales”

The fallout has led Maharashtra Cyber Wing to deem the current ticketing safeguards inadequate and ask BMS to implement measures including names on tickets and verification against government-issued IDs on the day of a show, reports the Hindustan Times.

BMS, which has denied allegations that it colluded with resale sites to scalp tickets for the Coldplay shows, vows to work with the government to “proactively fight” against touting, having already lodged a formal First Information Report (FIR).

“In addition to the FIR filed by BookMyShow on the black marketing and scalping of tickets for recent high-demand live entertainment experiences, we have also provided all requisite information and details to law enforcement agencies in their investigations and will continue to proactively fight against scalping and black marketing of tickets – practices that are condemned and punishable by law in India,” says a spokesperson for the Mumbai-based company.

“We strongly believe that it is critical for all stakeholders to come together and engage proactively in this matter, to find best methods to minimise these ticketing malpractices. We look forward to collaborating with the government to provide support and assistance in the reduction and prevention of illegal ticket sales for such marquee, high-demand live entertainment experiences.

“BookMyShow has always worked towards offering the best experiences to India’s entertainment-loving audiences. With Coldplay’s India tour, Maroon 5’s upcoming India performance, Lollapalooza India and many such acts in the pipeline, we remain committed to bringing the biggest and most marquee global events to Indian consumers who we firmly believe deserve the best.”

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India’s Directorate of Enforcement (ED) says it seized “incriminating” material in a series of raids across five states in connection with the “illegal” touting of Coldplay and Diljit Dosanjh tickets.

Police are investigating after tickets sold for the artists’ upcoming concerts in the country via official ticketing partners BookMyShow (BMS) and Zomato Live sold out in minutes only to quickly appear on resale platforms at exorbitant prices. A number of fans also discovered the tickets they bought on the black market were counterfeit.

ED, New Delhi subsequently launched investigations in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chandigarh and Bangalore on Friday (25 October) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002.

“Following the rapid sellout, numerous reports have emerged of individuals being deceived/cheated through fraudulent ticket sales,” says a spokesperson for the government agency. “Many fans have discovered that they were sold fake tickets or charged exorbitant prices for legitimate ones.”

It carried out search operations at more than 13 locations and seized “several incriminating materials such as mobile phones, laptops and sim cards allegedly used in the scam.

“This action was aimed to investigate the illegal sales of tickets and the financial networks supporting these scams and to trace the proceeds of crime generated”

“This action was aimed to investigate the illegal sales of tickets and the financial networks supporting these scams and to trace the proceeds of crime generated from such illegal activities,” adds the spokesperson. “Searches and investigation conducted by ED has revealed information regarding multiple individuals known for providing such tickets including fake tickets through social media using Instagram, WhatsApp and Telegram.”

Further investigations are ongoing.

Dosanjh, who recently became the highest-selling South Asian artist at The O2 in London, is bringing his Dilluminati Tour to several Indian cities in November and December, while Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres Tour touches down at Mumbai’s DY Patil Sports Stadium on 18, 19 & 21 January next year.

BMS has threatened to void tickets sold on the black market for the Coldplay shows and lodged a formal First Information Report (FIR) with Mumbai police urging authorities to investigate “the unauthorised resale of tickets by individuals and platforms”.

Public interest litigations (PIL) have also been filed across India calling for strict guidelines on the secondary sector in the wake of the controversies, with a wider hearing slated for 18 February 2025. A PIL lodged  by lawyer Amit Vyas at Bombay High Court alleges “several irregularities and illegalities” during the sale of tickets and accuses resellers of violating consumer protection rules.

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Indian ticketing giant and promoter BookMyShow (BMS) says it may cancel tickets sold on the black market for Coldplay’s upcoming Mumbai run.

The British band are bringing their Music of the Spheres Tour to the city’s DY Patil Sports Stadium for three sold out nights in January 2025. However, police are investigating an alleged touting scam in relation to the shows after tickets – priced between 2,500 rupees (€27) to 12,000 rupees (€129) – quickly reappeared on secondary ticketing platforms at huge mark-ups.

Lawyer Amit Vyas subsequently filed a criminal complaint against BMS and others, accusing the company of colluding with resale sites to scalp tickets, while Mumbai police’s Economic Offences Wing reportedly questioned an executive from BMS’ parent firm Big Tree Entertainment as part of a preliminary inquiry.

BMS denies any wrongdoing, maintaining its opposition to illegal ticketing practices, and says it has lodged a formal First Information Report (FIR) – a written document prepared by police when they receive information about a criminal offence.

“This action follows our initial complaint filed proactively with the Mumbai Police on September 23, 2024, addressing these concerns much before any formal complaint was raised against us,” a spokesperson for the firm tells IQ. “BookMyShow’s FIR filed with the Mumbai police also urges authorities to investigate the unauthorised resale of tickets by individuals and platforms.

“We have provided details of all resellers that have come to our attention, including independent individuals reselling tickets for this tour across social media platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp and beyond, as also digital platforms such as Viagogo, StubHub Holdings and more, to aid authorities in a thorough investigation.

“We remain vigilant in monitoring such instances of ticket reselling for this tour through black market channels and will continue to share all relevant information with the authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken. BookMyShow is assessing potential cancellation of such tickets that are being sold unethically.”

“BookMyShow vehemently condemns and opposes ticket reselling which is deemed illegal and is punishable by law in India”

Viagogo has also insisted it is not working with the Mumbai-headquartered firm, which says that “emotions ran high” after 13 million people attempted to buy tickets for the Coldplay gigs, which sold out within minutes of going on sale last month.

“Our stance remains clear and unchanged – BookMyShow vehemently condemns and opposes ticket reselling which is deemed illegal and is punishable by law in India,” the BMS statement adds. “BookMyShow has no association with any such unauthorised ticket selling/reselling platforms and/or any third party individuals/platforms for the purpose of reselling Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 in India.

“We are working closely with the police and regulatory authorities, to provide complete support and cooperation in the investigation of this matter in any manner that may be required right from the start. Our authorised representatives and senior management have been available whenever required by the authorities, ensuring full transparency in sharing all necessary information with the EOW (Economic Offences Wing).”

The company also dismisses rumours that had circulated online suggesting the concerts would be cancelled, asserting they are “proceeding as planned”.

“Reports contrary to this are factually incorrect,” it continues. “As the promoter and official ticketing platform bringing Coldplay to India, we at BookMyShow have worked hard to ensure every fan had a fair chance to secure tickets, by pricing them affordably as also capping purchase at four tickets per user across all shows, providing clear, step-by-step booking guides and maintaining transparent communication through all our official channels.

“We remain committed to ensuring a fair and genuine experience for all our consumers.”

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Anti-scalping campaigners in South Korea are celebrating a victory after the country’s government pledged that new legislation to effectively outlaw the use of “macro tools” to buy tickets will come into effect this Friday (5 April).

Policymakers at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism are determined to combat the rampant resale which has been blighting shows in the country. As a result, they have revised the Public Performance Act so that scalpers now face up to one year in prison or a 10 million won (€6,880) fine for breaking the law.

Campaigners had complained that South Korea’s existing laws were antiquated, as the relevant legislation dated back half a century, long before digital ticketing and the nefarious use of bots had been contemplated.

“Ticket scalping threatens the basis of the market order for our culture and sports, and we (the ministry) will take severe actions against it,” says culture minister Yu In-chon. “The Culture Ministry will implement various policies that can root out and prevent ticket scalping, thus restoring the order in the distribution system of culture and sports fields.”

As part of the reforms, the culture ministry is now operating a website, and phone line where fans and concert organisers can report illegal ticket sales.

More than 50 percent of the tickets from sold-out performances typically go to scalpers.

Recently, Record Label Industry Association of Korea chair Yoon Dong-hwan told The Korea Herald that more than 50% of the tickets from sold-out performances typically go to scalpers – taking a huge potential revenue stream away from the K-pop business which invests so heavily in its talent, but also affecting the likes of the classical music sector and theatre productions. “Sometimes they take up more than 70% of the seats,” says Yoon, observing that the introduction of bots has accelerated the growth of dubious resale practices.

The Korea Herald has published a series of articles about the issue. Highlighting the scale of the profits being made by the online touts, in a December 2023 story, the newspaper said that resale tickets for popular boy band, The Boyz, were trading for as much as 7 m won (€4,812), while VIP seats for Sung Si-kyung were priced at 1,199,900 won (€825). The original ticket price for both was about 150,000 won (€103).

Although Yoon’s 50% of inventory claim is not backed up by official numbers, statistics show that ticket scalping in the country has been rising dramatically, with the Korea Creative Content Agency revealing that reports of illegal ticket sales went from just 359 in 2020 to 4,224 in 2022. A survey by Yoon’s label association stated that 32.8% of 19-29-year-olds had bought a ticket from a scalper at least once. The same question posed to respondents in their 30s and 40s resulted in 25% admitting they had purchased from touts.

On the talent side of things, performers have been introducing their own terms and conditions to try to stamp out scalping. K-pop star IU threatens a lifetime fan club ban for anyone illegally selling a ticket to her shows, while having cancelled concerts in January because of scalping, singer Jang Beom-june partnered with Hyundai Card to use NFTs to thwart the touts for his February appearance at Understage in Seoul.

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