Hyderabad: A major online betting racket that lured unsuspecting youth with promises of “fixed match” tips has been busted by the Cyberabad Police. Four key operators behind the scam, which used Telegram channels and unauthorized betting platforms to siphon off crores, were arrested.
The crackdown began after a Miyapur resident, duped out of ₹1.1 crore along with a friend, reported losing the sum to bogus toss predictions promoted via Telegram. That single complaint cracked open a sprawling, multi-state operation built on private chat groups, shadowy apps, and a web of mule bank accounts.
Among those arrested were Chinnamsetti Naga Rakesh, Pottavathini Deepak, Guguloth Sri Ram Naik, and Hemanth Kumar. Each of them helmed separate clusters of Telegram groups collectively boasting over 1.5 lakh followers. Rakesh alone ran groups like ICC Cricket Reports and ICC Toss, raking in over ₹1.7 crore in commissions. Deepak’s “Mars” channels brought in ₹55 lakh, while Naik and Kumar linked to Sahara Toss and Ultrawin earned ₹30 lakh and ₹20 lakh respectively.
Police say the gang targeted young people, baiting them into private groups with claims of insider betting tips. Once inside, users were coaxed into transferring money via UPI and IMPS to bank accounts set up using fake documents. To keep the scam going, the accused occasionally released small payouts while blocking larger withdrawals, sustaining the illusion of credibility.
But Telegram was just the entry point. They used APK-based app downloads, flashy referral links, and fake betting websites to rope in more victims. Influencers were roped in too paid commissions up to 3% depending on their reach and how many bets they drove.
A deeper probe found that money was funneled through layers of mule accounts and partly converted into cryptocurrency to throw off the trail. So far, police have flagged ten illegal betting sites, including stakeid.com, lotusplay247.com, ultrawin.com, and fairplay.com. Steps are underway to take these sites down.
In raids, cops seized 10 mobile phones, 2 laptops, forged ID papers, and a stack of bank passbooks tied to the operation. The syndicate is believed to have been active since at least 2019, with roots in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Authorities also linked the scam to rising cases of financial ruin, depression, and even suicides underscoring the real human toll behind digital fraud.
DCP B. Sai Sri and ACP S. Ravinder led the operation, backed by Inspector Ch. Shankaraiah and SIs Yadagiri Rao, Sandeep Raj, Jai Prakash Goud, Sneha, and Kranthi Kiran. Police say the investigation is far from over they’re now chasing down more mule accounts, freezing linked assets, and tracking overseas operatives who may be pulling strings from abroad.
Citizens have been urged to steer clear of Telegram groups offering betting tips and to avoid installing unofficial apps. Any suspicious activity can be reported via the cybercrime helpline at 1930.
