An investigation into an alleged online cricket betting and cyber fraud syndicate in Gujarat has uncovered suspected fraudulent transactions exceeding ₹324 crore and placed thousands of bank accounts under scrutiny. Ten people have been arrested, while investigators are tracing additional suspects and possible links outside India.
Digital Evidence Expands Scope of Investigation
The case emerged in May 2026 following the arrest of Vijay Kardani. Investigators said evidence recovered during the operation indicated the existence of a wider organised network allegedly involved in collecting and routing money generated through illegal online cricket betting.
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Officials seized a tablet, three mobile phones, a television, a set-top box, electronic accessories, cash and a car from Kardani. The seized property was estimated to be worth approximately ₹15.73 lakh.
A case was subsequently registered against 47 accused, including a wanted prime suspect identified as Rajvirsinh, along with alleged associates and clients.
Investigators alleged that Kardani, Meet Kalariya, Jay alias Raja Aghera, Anil Gokaldas alias Gopaldas Kotak and Akash Nayak used mule bank accounts to transfer betting proceeds. The accounts were allegedly intended to conceal the identities of the actual beneficiaries and obstruct scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.
Thousands of Bank Accounts Found on Mobile Devices
Analysis of Kardani’s mobile phone reportedly revealed details of 281 bank accounts. Of these, 50 had already been frozen after verification through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
Investigators separately recovered details of 1,907 bank accounts from Anil Kotak’s device. Authorities said 304 of these accounts had been frozen in connection with cybercrime complaints.
Overall, 354 accounts linked to the suspected network were found to have complaints registered against them across several states. Investigators also identified 542 cyber fraud complaints on the national portal involving accounts under examination.
Based on the complaint data linked to these accounts, victims are suspected to have lost more than ₹324.58 crore. Officials said the figure could change as further accounts and transactions are examined.
Dubai Link and Commission Model Under Probe
Investigators alleged that Akash Nayak received a franchise-style arrangement from a Dubai-based handler identified as “Yuan” to manage betting-related financial transactions for a commission. He allegedly expanded the operation by recruiting people across India, creating a layered structure for handling mule accounts and routing funds.
Authorities suspect that the accused acted as part of a coordinated conspiracy over the past two years. Bank accounts opened in the names of unsuspecting people were allegedly used to move and disguise money generated through betting, gaming and cyber fraud.
Those arrested include Akash Nayak, Anil Kotak, Pratik Maradiya, Vijay Kardani, Ashvin Mendapara, Jay alias Shambhu Kaneriya, Hiren Kathritiya, Navnit Khambala, Jay alias Raja Aghera and Meet Kalariya.
The investigation remains underway, with financial trails being examined within India and abroad. Authorities are attempting to identify additional beneficiaries, account handlers and other people allegedly associated with the network.
