HYDERABAD: In a decisive move against digital piracy, Telangana Police have arrested Immadi Ravi, the alleged mastermind behind iBomma, a widespread movie piracy network that operated through more than 65 mirror websites. The arrest, made on November 15, follows months of coordinated surveillance by cybercrime teams tracking the portal’s extensive digital footprint.
Announcing the development on Monday, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said the action marks a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle organised piracy networks. He cautioned that users accessing such sites face far greater risks than mere copyright violations — including personal data theft, financial fraud, and exposure to malware.
Top Tollywood actors, directors, and producers attended the press briefing, underscoring the industry’s deep frustration with the persistent erosion of revenues. Industry representatives pointed out that piracy has become a structural threat, costing the Telugu film sector an estimated ₹3,700 crore in 2024 alone.
Massive User Data Harvesting Exposed
Preliminary investigations suggest that Ravi harvested personal information of nearly 50 lakh users. Police officials said the data was collected through embedded trackers and ad networks operating on iBomma’s various domains.
This information, investigators believe, was monetised through multiple unauthorised channels, including online betting promotions and partnerships with offshore digital advertisers. Ravi allegedly earned over ₹20 crore through these illegal activities.
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21,000 Pirated Movies Recovered
Raids conducted at Ravi’s premises led to the recovery of an extensive digital library comprising around 21,000 pirated films, ranging from global classics like The Godfather to recent Telugu releases such as OG, Miraje, Dude, and Kantara: A Legend Chapter–1. Several advance copies and unreleased movie files were also found. Officials described the scale of content stored on seized devices as “industrial-level piracy”, indicating a well-structured network capable of distributing films within hours of release.
Users Also Under Scanner
Commissioner Sajjanar issued a pointed warning to viewers who rely on such websites for free access to movies.
“Piracy is not risk-free for consumers,” he said. “Users risk identity theft, hacking, and financial fraud. We are monitoring the digital trails of both operators and heavy users.”
Police said further arrests are likely as the investigation widens to identify technical operators, financiers, and offshore collaborators associated with the iBomma network.
Industry Backs Crackdown
Members of the Telugu film fraternity called the arrest an important step toward protecting intellectual property and safeguarding revenue streams that support thousands of workers. They urged the public to avoid piracy platforms and rely on legitimate streaming services.
More Action Expected
Authorities said the case has opened new leads regarding similar piracy networks functioning from outside India. Telangana Police, along with central cyber agencies, are now examining cross-border data flows and financial transactions linked to the operation. The crackdown, officials said, signals a clear message: digital piracy will be pursued with the same seriousness as other forms of organised cybercrime, and both operators and users will face consequences for violations.
