In a significant crackdown on digital gambling operations, the cybercrime police under the Visakhapatnam Police Commissionerate have apprehended four individuals, including three engineering graduates, for their alleged involvement in promoting illegal online cricket betting applications. The arrests were made under the stringent provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act-1974, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology (IT) Act.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
The police have identified the arrested persons as Desineni Sumanth, also known as Nani, aged 25, who hails from Chandragiri in Tirupati district. Nani holds a BTech degree from Delhi and pursued an MS in the United Kingdom, showcasing an educational background that contrasts sharply with his alleged criminal activities. The other three individuals arrested are L Ganesh (27), K Murali (21), and M Bhadreswar Reddy (22), all residents of Guntur district.
Modus Operandi and Financial Gains
According to police investigations, Nani created a Telegram channel named 'Nani Cricket Betting Prediction', which he aggressively promoted to amass approximately 1.5 lakh followers. Through this platform, he allegedly endorsed Dubai-based online cricket betting websites, earning an estimated Rs 20 lakh per month from commissions. Similarly, Ganesh, described as a friend of Nani, operated the 'Vinay Reddy Cricket Prediction Channel' to promote the Mubarak cricket betting channel.
Murali managed the 'Murali Cricket Betting Prediction' channel, where he promoted betting apps such as Wazir Win and Winbuzz. Bhadreswar Reddy, on the other hand, was involved in promoting betting prediction analysis videos on a commission basis. The police emphasized that these individuals were systematically misleading the public by promoting illegal online gambling platforms for financial gain.
Risks and Consequences for Users
The authorities have warned that users who engage with these platforms face significant risks, including potential financial losses. Many individuals have reportedly lost their hard-earned money by placing substantial bets on these unregulated online cricket betting sites. The police highlighted the likelihood of victims emerging from those who were enticed by these promotions, underscoring the broader societal impact of such illegal activities.
This case underscores the growing challenge of cybercrime related to online gambling in India, particularly through social media and messaging platforms like Telegram. The arrests serve as a stern reminder of the legal repercussions for promoting illegal betting operations, which not only violate state gaming laws but also exploit vulnerable individuals seeking quick financial gains.
