Telangana authorities have uncovered a large illegal online betting operation linked to the Dafabet platform, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals accused of managing financial transactions, technical operations and account networks across several Indian states.

The investigation began after a software engineer from Karimnagar filed a complaint alleging he lost Rs 9.95 lakh after being drawn into online betting through promotions that promised easy profits and attractive returns. According to investigators, the victim deposited and wagered funds on the platform between January 2024 and January 2025 before suffering significant losses.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Telangana Crime Investigation Department followed the money trail and uncovered an extensive financial network used to process betting proceeds. Officers tracked transactions through 46 mule bank accounts spread across eight layers, revealing a structured system designed to conceal the movement of funds.

CID officials said the accused promoted betting on cricket matches, casino-style games and Aviator through the Dafabet platform. Users were allegedly encouraged to participate through bonus offers and claims of quick earnings. Payments were collected through UPI transfers, QR codes, internet banking channels and multiple bank accounts. Investigators also found that participants were initially paid winnings to build confidence before being encouraged to place larger wagers.

Investigation Spans Multiple States

To identify those involved, Telangana CID deployed six special teams led by DSP-rank officers to New Delhi, Gujarat and Punjab. Authorities said the suspects frequently changed mobile phones, SIM cards and locations in an effort to avoid detection.

After two weeks of investigation and surveillance, police arrested 11 people on May 29. Those taken into custody allegedly included organisers handling betting proceeds, individuals arranging mule bank accounts in exchange for commissions, operators of shell companies and technical support providers.

Search operations led to the seizure of three luxury vehicles, eight laptops, two iPads, 26 mobile phones, five passports and Rs 3.21 lakh in cash.

Officials also examined records from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and found broader links to cybercrime activity. According to CID findings, members of the network were connected to 225 complaints and 73 criminal cases registered in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Authorities Increase Action Against Betting Platforms

CID Director General Charu Sinha said the organisation was dealing with a sophisticated criminal operation that extended beyond simple gambling activity.

“Illegal online betting platforms are not harmless gaming avenues; they are organised criminal enterprises that exploit vulnerable citizens, siphon money through layered financial networks and fuel cyber-enabled crime,” Sinha said.

Authorities stated that the network generated between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 10 lakh per day through illegal betting activities.

As reported by NDTV, the investigation forms part of a broader campaign against online betting applications operating in the Indian state. According to officials, 414 cases have been registered against illegal betting platforms. Authorities have successfully blocked 108 applications through coordination with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Another 37 platforms have been geo-fenced with the assistance of internet service providers to restrict access within the state.

Public Awareness Campaign Continues

Law enforcement agencies have also focused on reducing the visibility of betting platforms through public awareness efforts. Charu Sinha said police have counselled 25 celebrities and social media influencers regarding the promotion of betting applications. Following those discussions, 21 individuals produced awareness videos warning the public about the risks associated with online betting.

Officials warned that online betting and gambling remain illegal in Telangana and reiterated that individuals involved in promoting such platforms could face legal consequences.

Authorities urged the public, particularly younger users, to avoid betting applications and report suspicious online activities. Investigators also cautioned that betting platforms are frequently linked to broader forms of cybercrime and financial fraud, increasing risks for participants beyond monetary losses.