Vizag police bust illegal online betting ring, 4 held

In a significant crackdown on illegal online betting, the City Police have arrested four individuals involved in promoting fraudulent betting websites. G. Praveen Kumar, Madinavalli, Razia Begum, and Dharani were apprehended following reliable intelligence, revealing their participation in a deceptive betting operation.
Investigations disclosed that the accused employed manipulative tactics to lure unsuspecting individuals. They charged registration fees, provided demo logins, and falsely promised substantial returns on minimal investments. These deceptive strategies ensnared victims in a cycle of addictive betting, resulting in severe financial losses.
The illicit operation was masterminded by Zia and Saurabh, who managed the network from Dubai. They leveraged local connections to recruit telecallers through interviews, tasking them with aggressively promoting the betting websites. These telecallers were enticed with attractive salaries, contingent on the number of new users they successfully enrolled.
Despite being aware of the illegal nature of online betting, the telecallers actively participated in the fraudulent scheme. Operating remotely from Dubai, they made persuasive calls to potential victims, promising high profits for minimal investments. Upon expressing interest, individuals were instructed to register and received a QR code via WhatsApp for deposits. Subsequently, login credentials were provided, granting them access to participate in online betting games.
Authorities have identified Zia and Saurabh as the masterminds behind this organized fraud and have deployed special teams to track and apprehend them, along with other telecallers complicit in promoting illegal betting websites in Visakhapatnam.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized the significant financial losses suffered by numerous individuals due to such fraudulent schemes. The public is strongly advised to refrain from engaging in any form of online or offline betting. The police have issued a stern warning that stringent legal action will be taken against anyone found organizing, promoting, aiding, or engaging in such illicit activities, including telecallers involved in these fraudulent operations.