Hyderabad cops arrest one for massive online betting fraud; city resident among victims who lost Rs 55 lakh

Hyderabad: The Cyber Crime Police of Hyderabad City have arrested a key accused involved in a large-scale online gaming and betting fraud that allegedly duped several victims across the country, including a Hyderabad resident who lost Rs 55 lakh over four years.

The accused lured victims with false promises of quick and guaranteed profits through illegal online betting platforms.

Accused identified

The arrested individual has been identified as Vishal Anil Nirmal, a resident of Pune, Maharashtra. Police said he played a crucial role in operating and promoting illegal online casino and cricket betting platforms, cheating unsuspecting members of the public.

Case goes back to 2021 involving website ANGELBET777

The case came to light after a 32-year-old man from Secunderabad lodged a complaint stating that he was first contacted in 2021 through WhatsApp messages offering easy money via an online betting website named ANGELBET777.

The platform hosted casino games and cricket betting, including a game called Five Star Cricket Aviator Flight Game.

Initially, the complainant invested Rs 10,000 and received a small return, which built confidence. Over time, he deposited a total of Rs 10 lakh in 2021 into various bank accounts provided by the accused, only to lose the entire amount.

More offers to indulge in betting

In 2022, the accused again approached the victim and persuaded him to invest in another betting platform, GOEXCH777, claiming it was safe and highly profitable.

Trusting these assurances, the complainant continued to invest between 2021 and 2025 through bank transfers, UPI IDs, QR codes and cash deposit machines.

The total loss eventually mounted to Rs 55 lakh.

Based on the complaint, police registered a case in Crime No. 2253/2025 under relevant sections of the IT Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Telangana Gaming Act.

Organised betting racket uncovered

Investigations revealed that Vishal, along with his associates Guddu, Dweide and Suraj Bhusal alias Bokshi, was part of an organised online betting racket. The group operated illegal betting platforms by creating agent and sub-agent panels and promised assured profits to attract customers.

Police said Vishal had earlier worked as a recovery agent with a private finance company in Pune and had travelled to Dubai in October 2021 on a job visa.

During his stay, he met Suraj Bhusal, a Nepalese national, who introduced him to illegal online betting operations.

After returning to India, Vishal obtained an agent ID for GOEXCH777 by paying Rs 20,000 and launched a sub-website named WORLD777 under an existing agent panel. Customers were enrolled through aggressive promotions on social media and bulk WhatsApp messages.

Fake companies and mule accounts

To run the operation, the accused allegedly created multiple fake shell companies and opened 57 current bank accounts using forged firm names and rubber stamps.

Victims were issued betting IDs only after depositing money into these mule accounts.

Police also found that Vishal procured a large number of SIM cards—including Indian and Dubai-based numbers—to contact victims and circulate promotional content. Whenever a number was blocked or flagged as spam, it was replaced with a new one.

Customer databases obtained from other betting platforms were used for targeted outreach. Vishal reportedly spent around Rs 6,000 per day on social media advertisements and used bulk messaging software to send mass promotional messages.

When bank accounts linked to complaints on the NCRP portal were frozen, new shell companies and accounts were opened to continue the fraud.

Multiple cases across India

According to NCRP data, at least 22 cyber fraud cases across India have been linked to the fake shell company accounts operated by the accused. Police said investigations are ongoing to trace the money trail, freeze additional accounts and nab the remaining absconding accused.

Seized material

Police seized the following items from the accused:

One laptop

15 mobile phones

57 cheque books

79 SIM cards

62 debit cards

15 rubber stamps of shell companies

Eight QR codes

Public advisory

Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and issued the following advisory:

- Beware of online gaming, betting and lottery ads promising easy or guaranteed money

- Government lotteries are not promoted through social media or WhatsApp messages

- Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading apps from unverified sources

- Never transfer money to unknown persons or accounts

- Do not share OTPs, PINs or banking credentials

- Initial winnings shown on such platforms are fake and meant to gain trust

- Be cautious if asked to pay fees or taxes to withdraw winnings

- Victims of cybercrime can seek immediate help by calling 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in.