Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 17: The Cybercrime Cell of the Goa Police on Thursday arrested six persons for allegedly operating an online betting racket linked to Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.

According to Cybercrime SP Raju Raut Dessai, the accused were apprehended during a raid conducted at Sangolda on Wednesday, where they were allegedly accepting bets through online platforms during an IPL match.

Police said several electronic devices and financial instruments were seized from the spot, including six laptops, ?31,000 in cash, around 50 ATM cards, multiple mobile phones, and mule account kits, collectively valued at nearly Rs 10 lakh.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Gediya Dilipbhai, Bhimraj Meena, Nilesh Hirani, Shani Chavada, Rokad Jaysukhbhai, and Prashant Trivedi. They are said to hail from West Bengal, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

Investigators said the accused were operating betting activities through multiple mobile phones connected via WiFi and using online betting applications registered under different identities. The money collected through betting was allegedly routed through mule bank accounts created using stolen or misused credentials.

Police added that identity theft and illegal gambling networks were part of the modus operandi used in the operation.

An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the IT Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Goa Police Gambling Act. Further investigation is underway to trace the wider network involved in the racket.