The Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have arrested a Pune-based man in connection with an alleged online betting and gaming fraud that investigators say spans multiple states and involves crores of rupees siphoned off through a web of shell companies and mule bank accounts.
Police said the accused, aged 32, was taken into custody following a complaint filed by a resident of Secunderabad who claimed he was duped of nearly ₹55 lakh after being lured into illegal online cricket betting platforms with promises of assured returns.
According to the complaint, the victim was first approached in 2021 through unsolicited WhatsApp messages advertising online betting websites. After initial small investments appeared to generate profits, the accused allegedly gained the complainant’s confidence and persuaded him to continue investing larger sums over an extended period across multiple platforms.
Investigators said the profits shown to the victim in the early stages were fabricated to create an illusion of legitimacy. Over time, the complainant transferred substantial amounts of money, only to realise later that withdrawals were blocked and communication had ceased.
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Use of shell firms and mule accounts
Cybercrime officials said the accused operated several illegal betting websites using agent IDs and promoted them aggressively through social media advertisements and bulk messaging campaigns. The funds collected from victims were allegedly routed through dozens of mule bank accounts, many opened in the names of fake or shell companies, to obscure the money trail.
The accused is also suspected to have used multiple SIM cards, mobile devices and digital payment channels to evade detection. During searches, police seized laptops, mobile phones, SIM cards, debit cards, cheque books and rubber stamps allegedly linked to the shell entities used in the operation.
Linked to cases across India
Preliminary analysis of bank transactions revealed that accounts connected to the accused have been flagged in at least 22 cyber fraud cases reported from different parts of the country. Police said efforts are under way to trace the flow of funds, identify additional beneficiaries and arrest other individuals believed to be part of the betting network.
Officials indicated that the scale of the operation suggests organised coordination, with multiple agents involved in customer acquisition, payment routing and technical support for the betting platforms.
Growing concern over online betting fraud
The case once again highlights the rising threat posed by illegal online gaming and betting platforms, which often operate through encrypted messaging apps and social media channels. Cybercrime officials warned that such platforms frequently use high-pressure tactics, false guarantees of profit and manipulated dashboards to trap victims.
Police have advised the public to exercise caution against unsolicited investment or betting offers, particularly those promising fixed or guaranteed returns. Citizens were urged to verify the legality of online platforms and report suspicious messages or transactions promptly.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities coordinating with banks and cyber units in other states to freeze suspected accounts and recover funds wherever possible.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
