Kanpur: 'International betting syndicate': 3 months, 100 crore rupees, 8 arrested; links to Dubai and Thailand

Kanpur police busted an international betting racket worth ₹100 crore and arrested eight accused. Operating from Dubai and Thailand, the gang conducted transactions using fake accounts and Ola cabs. Police recovered 26 mobile phones, 54 ATMs, and SIM cards, and froze ₹5 million.

In a major crackdown, the Kanpur Commissionerate Police has uncovered an organized racket linked to an international online betting app. In a joint operation by the Barra police station and the cyber team, eight accused were arrested. Acting on a tip-off, police laid a siege near the ancient Shiva temple in Barra-6 and apprehended four of the accused. Later, based on their information, four other accused were arrested from various locations.

The entire network was controlled from abroad.
The investigation revealed that this betting racket was being operated from outside India. The masterminds controlled the entire network from Cambodia and Thailand. Approximately 400 people were involved in this network, running the betting operation at various levels.

How the betting game worked
During interrogation, it was revealed that the accused recruited people through banned betting apps and websites. Initially, they won users' trust by offering small amounts of money. After large amounts were placed, they controlled the game and ensured defeat. The funds were transferred to various accounts and circulated throughout the network. New users were added through Telegram and other online platforms.

Ola cabs used to be 'mobile operation centres' 

To avoid detection, the gang members would conduct transactions and withdraw funds while in Ola or other hired taxis, making their location difficult to trace.

The entire system was run through fake accounts. 

The accused lured people into obtaining their Aadhaar cards and SIM cards. They used these to open fake bank accounts, which were then used to transfer betting proceeds. Police have also discovered hundreds of suspicious accounts.

Police recovered a large quantity of items from the accused:

26 mobile phones,

1 laptop

, 54 ATM cards,

26 passbooks and 1 cheque book

, 30 SIM cards,

2 vehicles (scooty and bike)

Network spread across several states

This betting racket wasn't limited to Kanpur, but spanned several states. The entire syndicate was operated through online betting administrators. 

Police statement and further action

Police Commissioner Raghuveer Lal stated in a press conference that the arrested accused are connected to an international betting network and primarily engaged in fund management and withdrawals. All accused have been charged under relevant sections and sent to court. The search for the absconding accused is ongoing, and a thorough investigation into the network is underway.

News is originally taken from: https://bit.ly/3QBVgn5

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