India Police Bust ₹1,500 Crore Betting Network

Police in Visakhapatnam have arrested 24 individuals in connection with an alleged online betting operation involving transactions worth more than ₹500 crore (US$52 million). Authorities said total illegal gains and public losses linked to the case could amount to nearly ₹1,500 crore (US$156 million).

The investigation is being led by the Visakhapatnam Cybercrime Police, which stated that the betting network operated across several Indian states and also maintained links to Sri Lanka.

According to police, the operation used online betting platforms, digital payment systems and multiple bank accounts to process and move funds while concealing the source of transactions.

Investigators said the syndicate was active in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh. Authorities identified at least seven betting websites allegedly connected to the network.

Shankha Brata Bagchi stated that the organisation functioned through a coordinated structure involving digital operators, sub-bookies and call-centre style operations rather than isolated individuals.

Police also confirmed the arrest of the alleged kingpin, Karan Pakhrani, in Kolkata along with six associates. Investigators allege that Pakhrani played a central role in managing the betting platforms and overseeing operations.

During raids linked to the case, officers reportedly seized mobile phones, laptops, bank passbooks and currency-counting machines as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities stated that approximately 224 mule bank accounts were used to transfer betting proceeds through layered UPI and banking transactions designed to obscure the money trail.

The probe reportedly began after complaints involving misuse of bank accounts connected to online gaming activities, eventually leading investigators to uncover the wider betting network.

Police said investigations are continuing into the financial flows, additional beneficiaries and the wider network of sub-bookies believed to be connected to the operation.