Hyderabad | A major cyber fraud involving an online betting platform has come to light in Hyderabad, where a city resident allegedly lost around ₹1.5 crore after being lured into investing in betting games promising high returns. Investigators say the fraud was carried out through a fake online platform, and four persons have been arrested for allegedly supplying SIM cards that were used by the network to operate the scam.
The arrested accused have been identified as Mohammed Saeed Uddin alias Farid (26), Mohammed Tajuddin (31), Mohammed Yunus alias Arbaaz (25) and Md Ayub (24). All four are residents of different localities in Hyderabad and are suspected to have played a key role in procuring and supplying SIM cards used by the fraud network to contact victims.
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The case surfaced after a 36-year-old resident of Hyderabad approached cyber crime authorities, alleging that he had been cheated of a large amount of money through an online betting scheme. According to investigators, the victim began receiving WhatsApp calls and messages in 2025 from individuals claiming to represent an online platform named “BETINEXCHANGE”.
The fraudsters allegedly persuaded the victim to invest money in betting activities such as cricket betting, Teen Patti and online casino games. To build confidence, the victim was initially asked to deposit ₹20,001. Shortly afterward, the platform displayed a profit of about ₹5,000, giving the impression that the investment was genuine.
Encouraged by the initial gains, the victim continued investing larger sums over time. Investigators said that between 2025 and January 2026, the victim repeatedly transferred money through multiple channels, including UPI IDs, QR codes and cash deposit machines.
Authorities said the total amount transferred from the bank accounts of the victim and his wife eventually reached around ₹1.5 crore. During this period, the online platform reportedly displayed profits of nearly ₹20 lakh in the victim’s account. However, whenever he attempted to withdraw the funds, the requests were either delayed or rejected.
Investigators said the fraudsters used a carefully planned method to prolong the deception. Each time the victim demanded withdrawal of funds, the operators allegedly changed the website domain or sent new links under different platform names, allowing them to continue the fraud without revealing their real identities.
During the investigation, authorities found that the arrested accused were responsible for supplying large numbers of SIM cards that enabled the fraud network to operate. The main accused, Farid, had previously worked at a cricket betting call centre in Dubai. After returning to India, he allegedly began collecting SIM cards from local residents.
According to investigators, Farid offered around ₹600 to individuals in exchange for SIM cards issued in their names. These SIM cards were then allegedly sold to a Dubai-based individual identified as Mudassir for about ₹1,200 each. Authorities believe that approximately 250 SIM cards were supplied through this arrangement.
These SIM cards were reportedly used by other members of the fraud network to make WhatsApp calls, operate fake betting websites and pose as customer support representatives to gain the trust of potential victims. By constantly changing numbers and digital identities, the network was able to conceal its activities and continue targeting individuals.
During the operation, investigators seized five mobile phones from the accused, which are expected to provide additional digital evidence regarding the operation of the network. Authorities are currently working to identify and trace other members of the fraud syndicate who are believed to be operating from abroad and are still absconding.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said online betting and investment scams are increasing rapidly. According to him,
“Cyber criminals first build trust by showing small profits and then gradually persuade victims to invest larger amounts. When the victim attempts to withdraw the money, the platform either blocks the account or disappears by changing its website.”
Experts advise citizens to remain cautious about online platforms that promise unusually high returns with minimal investment. They also warn against clicking on suspicious links, downloading unknown applications or sharing OTPs, PINs or banking details with strangers, as even a small lapse in caution can result in significant financial losses.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
