Five held for online cricket betting in Visakhapatnam
The Cyber Crime Police in Visakhapatnam arrested five persons in three separate cases for allegedly operating online cricket betting networks through various digital platforms. A court remanded all the accused to 14 days of judicial custody.
Commissioner of Police Shankha Brata Bagchi said the accused were using platforms such as Fair Exchange, Wing Exchange 666, Sky24x7, Spark, Crex, and Cricket Exchange to facilitate illegal betting on cricket matches, including IPL games.
“The accused were circulating WhatsApp links, creating betting accounts, and luring people into wagering money on cricket matches. They were acting as intermediaries and passing on details of funders to higher-level operators for commissions,” Mr. Bagchi said.
In the first case, two persons were arrested near Adavivaram Junction. Police seized mobile phones, a laptop, and ₹8 lakh in cash, suspected to be linked to betting settlements.
In the second case, two more persons were arrested near Simhachalam Bus Stand. Mobile phones allegedly used in the betting activity were recovered from them.
In the third case, one person was arrested near Rushikonda Junction. Police seized three mobile phones, a notebook containing betting records, and ₹45,500 in cash. Investigators suspect he was handling transactions involving around 15 funders through digital payment applications.
“Further investigation is underway to identify the larger network behind these operations. We appeal to the public not to fall prey to online betting platforms and to report cybercrime complaints through the national cybercrime portal or helpline 1930,” the Commissioner said.