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Read Full BioIndia recently recorded one of the largest and most significant illegal online gambling crackdowns in recent history when police in Rajasthan dismantled a vast online betting operation.
Local outlet NDTV reported that the operation is estimated to be worth ₹150 crore (~$18 million), spanning multiple states, cities, platforms, and financial networks.
A Vast Operation Spanning Multiple States in India
The gambling syndicate operated more than 30 illicit betting platforms. The local authorities arrested three suspects — Nitin Paliwal, Mahesh Sharma, and Piyush Sharma — who are believed to be developers and managers of the platforms.
The platforms were created to resemble the popular Mahadev Satta app, offering wagers on cricket matches, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), as well as online casino games and regional betting formats, such as matka.
The network established by the criminal syndicate spread across the country through the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and several others.
Police Raid Brings Results
The authorities became aware of the syndicate thanks to a tip-off, and after investigating the matter, they managed to trace the financial trail to properties in multiple cities. This highlighted the deep-rooted financial infrastructure that the illegal online betting ring managed to develop before the police became aware of it.
Commenting on the matter, Alwar Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Nain said that the suspects created fake betting apps to lure players in. They then used digital channels and hawala networks to distribute the earnings.
During the raid, members of the police force seized six Android mobile phones, two laptops, a hard drive, and an SUV containing 15 ATM cards. The police also believe that the operation features more than 60,000 agents and players from across the country.
Software Engineer Replicated Legitimate Platforms
The syndicate primarily relied on the involvement of a software engineer, whose technical expertise enabled the operation, including allowing the online betting ring to replicate legitimate betting platforms and stay under the authorities’ radar.
The software expert created mirrored websites that mimicked the UI of licensed apps, including real-time odds and payment gateways, thus creating an illusion of authenticity. The effect was convincing enough to attract both new bettors and experts with years of experience in the industry.
The three suspects were tracked down in Alwar and Mathura. The police made a breakthrough when Paliwal was intercepted as he was returning from Agra.
The authorities managed to confiscate his devices and search them for valuable information that allowed them to map out the rest of the network, grasp the full scale of the operation, and identify the ringleaders.
The arrested individuals remain in custody as the investigation continues. The results of the investigation so far suggest that the operation had links to more cities and other betting networks.
Elsewhere in India, police in Udupi have arrested five people in a raid relating to illegal cockfighting. Five roosters were also confiscated, and 1,500 rupees of betting money was seized. Cockfighting was banned in the country in 1960.
