Dubai-Linked Gambling Network Busted in India, Funneling Millions in Cryptocurrency
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A refined online gambling network with ties to Dubai has been dismantled in India, with authorities alleging the operation laundered crores of rupees through cryptocurrency and defrauded victims with promises of lucrative payouts. Rural police in Ludhiana,Punjab,arrested five men allegedly involved in the scheme,claiming the illicit funds were directed to a suspected mastermind currently abroad.
The illusion of Easy Winnings
The network lured individuals with the allure of substantial returns from online betting platforms,only to dupe them out of their money,according to investigators. The group operated primarily through popular sites like Parimatch and Mostbet, convincing users to deposit funds in Indian rupees into fraudulent bank accounts.
“The operation was meticulously planned, utilizing a network of bank accounts to obscure the flow of funds,” stated a senior official involved in the investigation.
Millions Transferred, Millions Lost
Investigators estimate the group processed daily transactions worth crores of rupees – a figure equivalent to millions of US dollars – converting the illicit gains into cryptocurrency before sending them to the Dubai-based leader. Members of the network also reportedly received commissions in cryptocurrency for their involvement.
Those arrested have been identified as Abhinav Garg, 24, of Barnala; Om Prakash Om, 29, of Bihar; Amitraj Amit, 28, of Bihar; Vishwajit Singh, 36, of Uttar Pradesh; and Rihan Khan, 25, also of Uttar Pradesh.
A Network of Accounts and Key Players
During questioning, om Prakash Om was identified as a key figure responsible for managing a vast network of bank accounts used to facilitate the operation.he allegedly traveled to smaller cities to establish new accounts while also operating from major metropolitan areas like Delhi and Mumbai.
Police are currently investigating whether any bank officials were complicit in the scheme,utilizing technical assistance to trace the financial transactions. The five suspects apprehended had reportedly utilized as many as 40 bank accounts to process transactions and were in Jagraon, Punjab, attempting to open additional accounts when police intervened.
The Search for the Mastermind
Authorities beleive the architect of the scam remains at large in Dubai. The investigation is ongoing, with international cooperation likely required to apprehend the individual and recover the stolen funds.
During the raid, police seized eight mobile phones, eight SIM cards, two checkbooks, a laptop, and a car from the suspects. The case highlights the growing sophistication of online fraud and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating cross-border criminal activity facilitated by cryptocurrency.
Why it happened: The network exploited the illegal nature of online gambling in India and the anonymity offered by cryptocurrency to defraud individuals with false promises of high returns.
Who was involved: Five men – Abhinav Garg, Om Prakash Om, Amitraj Amit, Vishwajit Singh, and Rihan khan – were arrested in India. A mastermind based in Dubai is the primary suspect and remains at large. om Prakash Om was a key figure in managing the network of bank accounts.
What happened: A Dubai-linked online gambling network defrauded individuals in India out of crores of rupees (millions of US dollars) through platforms like Parimatch and Mostbet. funds were laundered through cryptocurrency.
How it ended: Indian police in Ludhiana
