Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh: Azamgarh Police have exposed an international fraud syndicate operating under the name “CRICKET BUZZ,” which duped people through online gaming scams. A total of 7 accused were arrested from Varanasi, and illegal transactions worth Rs 95 crore were traced across 208 bank accounts. Police also seized goods worth Rs 15 lakh, including 51 mobile phones, 4 laptops, 42 ATM cards, and 13 passbooks.
How the Scam Worked:
The gang operated online gaming apps under fake names like CRICKET BUZZ, Reddy Anna, Lotus, and Mahadev. They lured victims via WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram ads, asking them to play games or complete tasks on the website https://allpanels.com.in. Victims were promised double or triple returns on their investments, and upon logging in, were tricked into transferring money. These funds were quickly moved through fake bank accounts and mobile numbers.
The gang was earlier active in Azamgarh, where 11 members were arrested in November 2024 for a similar Rs 190 crore scam using illegal gaming apps. After that crackdown, the group resumed operations from Varanasi under the radar.
Arrests and Recovery:
Seven accused from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal were arrested based on technical surveillance, mobile tracking, and informant tips. The team also froze Rs 1 crore in bank accounts. Many fake WhatsApp groups were created to trap victims, and transactions were made using mule accounts.
Arrested Individuals:
Shubham Jaiswal – Mirzapur
Dhanjeet Yadav – Jaunpur
Ajay Yadav – Varanasi
Abhay Rai – Chandauli
Avinash Rai – West Bengal
Shubham Yadav – Varanasi
Piyush Yadav – Jaunpur
Police Action:
The case is registered under multiple IPC sections and IT Act provisions, including fraud, impersonation, and money laundering. A joint team of Azamgarh Cyber Crime Station, SWAT, and surveillance units conducted the arrests and raids. The police are now coordinating with cybercrime units across India and abroad, as foreign operatives from Sri Lanka and UAE were reportedly connected to the racket.
Previous Arrests:
In the earlier operation in November 2024, 11 individuals were arrested for running similar online scams under banned apps. Many were using names of servants, relatives, and villagers to open fake accounts and evade detection.
Azamgarh SSP Hemraj Meena praised the swift action of his teams and urged the public to remain cautious about online gaming and investment schemes. “Do not fall for fake promises of doubling your money. Report suspicious links or WhatsApp groups to the police immediately,” he said.