Kanpur: A major online betting racket operating during the IPL season has been busted, with five accused—Abhishek Jain, Saurabh Gupta, Ananya Vats, Abhishek Mittal, and Shubham Vijay—arrested for allegedly running an app-based gambling network across multiple cities. The accused were caught operating from a vehicle, constantly moving across locations in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and NCR to evade detection. Cash, mobile phones, a laptop, and a detailed transaction register have been seized.
FCRF Academy Launches Premier Anti-Money Laundering Certification Program
Mobile operations to avoid police detection
According to the investigation, the accused avoided staying at a fixed location and instead operated from a black SUV, moving between cities to reduce the risk of being tracked. Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted the vehicle near an industrial area in Kanpur and apprehended all five individuals on the spot.
Among those arrested, Abhishek Jain and his brother-in-law Saurabh Gupta are believed to be the key operators of the network. The others—Ananya Vats, Abhishek Mittal, and Shubham Vijay—played supporting roles in managing users and transactions.
Investigators revealed that the gang used a master control ID named “G Gamma Exchange” to run the operation. Through this system, they generated multiple user IDs and passwords for bettors. Users would deposit money in advance and receive virtual credits or coins in return. These credits were then used to place bets on live IPL matches based on fluctuating odds. Winnings were paid out either digitally or in cash, depending on the arrangement.
Extensive financial trail Revealed
A key piece of evidence recovered from the accused is a handwritten register containing detailed records of transactions. The register reportedly includes names, phone numbers, and amounts linked to multiple bettors.
Authorities are now analyzing this data to identify other individuals connected to the network. Initial findings suggest that the operation had been active for a significant period and may involve a wider network spanning several cities.
Educated professionals among accused
The backgrounds of the accused have added another layer of concern to the case. Abhishek Jain is an M.Com graduate engaged in the iron trade, while Saurabh Gupta studied mass communication and was running a medical store.
Abhishek Mittal, an MBA graduate, was involved in the tyre wholesale business. Ananya Vats is a D.El.Ed student, and Shubham Vijay works in digital marketing. Despite having stable educational and professional backgrounds, all five allegedly got involved in illegal betting activities in pursuit of quick financial gains.
During questioning and media presentation, the accused reportedly broke down and admitted their involvement. They expressed regret and claimed that greed for quick money led them into the illegal operation.
Technology driving illegal betting growth
The case highlights how digital tools are increasingly being used to run organized betting operations. Mobile apps, virtual currencies, and instant payment systems have made it easier for such networks to expand rapidly while remaining difficult to trace.
Experts believe that such rackets often target young users by offering easy access and quick returns, creating a false sense of profitability.
