Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Apr 10: In one of the biggest crackdowns on illegal sports betting in India, Goa Police have arrested 44 individuals and seized assets worth Rs 45 lakh in connection with a large-scale betting operation tied to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The North Goa Police and Crime Branch conducted six coordinated raids over six days, targeting a sophisticated network involved in betting not only on IPL matches but also other cricket tournaments and football games. Two of the largest raids, led by the Crime Branch, accounted for 34 arrests and ?40 lakh in seized assets.
Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Rahul Gupta, speaking at a press briefing, revealed that the syndicate was highly organized, operating through a digital-first approach with no physical cash involved. “They had a full-fledged infrastructure — dedicated customer service agents, pay-in/pay-out teams, and advanced digital systems — all designed to evade detection,” he said.
During the raids, officials recovered 101 mobile phones, 17 laptops and desktops, 95 bank passbooks, 145 ATM cards, over 50 SIM cards, cheque books, routers, and CCTV systems. Detailed registers and transaction records were also seized, painting a clear picture of the syndicate's operations.
Operating from rented properties across Goa, the betting ring is believed to have been active since November–December last year. All transactions were carried out via digital platforms, with investigators uncovering QR codes, chat logs, and Paytm transaction histories as part of the evidence.
Although no cash was found on-site, investigators estimate the transaction volume at Rs 45 lakh, with a majority of it traced back to just one night of raids.
Authorities believe the Goa-based operation is part of a larger interstate syndicate, with the arrested individuals functioning as customer service handlers and financial intermediaries within the betting chain.
To tighten the legal noose and avoid quick bail for the accused, the police have invoked additional charges, including impersonation and cheating, beyond the standard provisions of the Gambling Act.