TLDR
- Cybercrime officials in Visakhapatnam dismantled an illegal online betting network that handled transactions exceeding ₹500 crore (approximately US$52 million)
- The sophisticated syndicate operated across seven states in India and maintained international connections to Sri Lanka through seven betting platforms
- Karan Pakhrani, nicknamed “Gabbar” and identified as the operation’s mastermind, was apprehended in Kolkata with six accomplices
- Investigators uncovered approximately 224 mule banking accounts used to disguise betting revenues through complex UPI and banking transfer schemes
- The complete financial scope of the operation, including illegal profits and victim losses, is estimated at ₹1,500 crore (roughly US$156 million)
Authorities in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, have successfully dismantled a sophisticated online betting syndicate after arresting 24 suspects connected to the illegal enterprise. Investigators revealed that the operation facilitated transactions surpassing ₹500 crore, equivalent to approximately US$52 million.
The Cybercrime division of Visakhapatnam Police spearheaded the investigation. Officials disclosed that when accounting for both illegal earnings and financial damage to victims, the total monetary value involved reaches approximately ₹1,500 crore, or about US$156 million.
This wasn’t a localized criminal enterprise. Law enforcement revealed the network maintained operations throughout Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, with additional ties extending to Sri Lanka.
The syndicate deployed at least seven distinct websites to facilitate its illegal betting activities. The enterprise functioned through coordinated call centre operations, a network of sub-bookies, and digital specialists collaborating within a hierarchical framework.
Sophisticated Cross-Border Network Leveraged Digital Infrastructure for Fund Transfers
Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Shankha Brata Bagchi explained that the enterprise operated as a well-coordinated organization rather than disconnected actors. This organizational structure enabled betting operations to flourish across numerous regions while sophisticated digital infrastructure managed financial transactions.
The operation’s presumed mastermind, Karan Pakhrani, who went by the alias “Gabbar,” was captured in Kolkata. Law enforcement simultaneously detained six individuals associated with him.
According to investigators, Pakhrani controlled platform administration and served as a pivotal figure orchestrating the network’s operations. His capture in Kolkata represented a significant milestone in Visakhapatnam authorities’ campaign to disassemble the criminal enterprise.
Law enforcement officials confiscated mobile devices, banking documentation, computers, and currency counting equipment during their raids. These materials will serve as crucial evidence throughout the continuing investigation.
The investigation initially began following reports about suspicious bank account activity connected to online gaming operations. This initial complaint pathway enabled investigators to expose the extensive betting infrastructure.
Complex Network of 224 Shell Accounts Deployed to Obscure Financial Flows
A critical component of the syndicate’s operations involved utilizing shell bank accounts. Authorities revealed that approximately 224 such accounts were employed to channel betting revenues through intricate sequences of UPI and banking transfers.
This methodology was specifically engineered to obscure the source of funds. Law enforcement officials noted it significantly complicated efforts to trace financial flows back to the betting enterprise.
The investigation now concentrates on mapping the complete financial infrastructure. Authorities are pursuing the identification of additional beneficiaries and the broader ecosystem of sub-bookies participating in the scheme.
The investigation continues as law enforcement searches for more individuals linked to the operation. Authorities have suggested that additional apprehensions are likely as the investigation progresses.
With more than 200 shell accounts and a network extending across multiple states, investigators continue assembling a comprehensive picture of the syndicate’s full scope. Upcoming investigative phases will concentrate on financial pathways and the individuals orchestrating them.
As of May 17, 2026, authorities confirmed that investigations into financial structures, additional beneficiaries, and the sub-bookie ecosystem remain active.
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