Nellore Police Crack Down on International Online Cricket Betting Syndicate
In a significant breakthrough, the Nellore police have successfully busted a sophisticated online cricket betting racket that was being operated from international locations, including Dubai and Bangkok. The operation led to the arrest of two key individuals and the seizure of substantial assets linked to the illegal activity.
Arrests and Identifications Made Public
Addressing a press conference in Nellore on Tuesday, Additional Superintendent of Police Deeksha revealed the identities of the arrested accused. They have been identified as P Mahesh Babu, aged 37, and P Hari Krishna, aged 29. The police action follows a detailed investigation into the racket, which had been active for the past two months.
How the Racket Was Uncovered
The investigation was initiated after a local resident approached the Balaji Nagar police station with a complaint. The individual alleged that he had been duped of Rs 53 lakh by a bogus investment company on February 19. As the police delved deeper into the case, it emerged that Mahesh Babu and Hari Krishna were behind a series of cricket betting websites and applications.
These platforms included names such as Radhe exchange apps, victor111, and national 999. The duo orchestrated an organized crime network, operating remotely from Dubai and Bangkok to avoid local law enforcement.
Seizures and Financial Freezes
Following their arrest, the police conducted raids and seized significant items and cash. The confiscated assets include:
- Rs 34 lakh in cash
- 13 mobile phones
- 1 laptop
In addition to the physical seizures, the police have frozen bank accounts belonging to the accused, containing funds amounting to Rs 1.6 crore. Further investigation uncovered money transactions totaling Rs 89 lakh that were conducted through various UPI applications, highlighting the scale of the financial operations involved in the betting racket.
Ongoing Manhunt for Additional Accused
The police are not stopping with these arrests. A hunt has been launched for two more individuals believed to be involved in the syndicate. They have been identified as K Mahesh Kumar and K Mani Kumar. Authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend them and dismantle the entire network.
This case underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in combating cyber-enabled crimes that span international borders. The Nellore police's proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to tackling such organized illegal activities, which often exploit digital platforms for financial gain.
