iBomma Ravi ran two-tier piracy model, paid $100–$200 per film; police find Rs 13.40 crore money trail

Hyderabad: Police have found that iBomma movie piracy network kingpin, Immadi Ravi, operated a structured two-tier system to procure pirated movies, paying $100 for camcorder prints and $200 for HD versions, a method that helped him rapidly upload films online and rake in huge profits.

A custodial report submitted to the court after 12 days of interrogation has revealed key information on how Ravi sourced pirated films, laundered money and lived a lavish lifestyle, officials said.

Rs 13.40 crore through seven bank accounts

Police traced a total of Rs 13.40 crore deposited across seven bank accounts operated by Ravi. Investigators found that on one occasion alone, he earned Rs 1.78 crore through online betting advertisements linked to pirated platforms.

Ravi ran an office near Kukatpally with 10 hires

Ravi disclosed that he ran an office for a period near the Usha Mullapudi Hospital area in Kukatpally. He also admitted to hiring around 10 people to assist him in piracy-related activities.

Custodial report filed after 12 days

Police informed the court that Ravi was questioned extensively during his 12-day custody. The report highlights multiple aspects of his illegal activities, including piracy, betting advertisements and complex financial transactions.

Officials said the findings clearly indicate that Ravi’s operations were far more organised than initially suspected.

Piracy business grew after Covid

Ravi reportedly told investigators that his piracy business expanded significantly after the Covid-19 pandemic. With a sharp rise in online movie consumption post-lockdown, his income increased manifold, police noted.

Money transfers to avoid tax issues

According to police, Ravi transferred Rs 90 lakh to his sister, Chandrika, to avoid potential tax complications. Officials also revealed that most of the transactions were carried out in foreign currency, allegedly to complicate the money trail.

Trademark licence and luxury life

Police said Ravi claimed to have obtained a trademark licence through a foreign national identified as Rakesh. Investigators concluded that the money earned through piracy and betting was used to fund a luxury-driven lifestyle.

Ravi sent to jail as probe continues

After the completion of his 12-day custodial interrogation, police shifted iBomma Ravi to judicial custody and sent him to jail. Officials said investigations are continuing to probe other angles of the case, including digital platforms, financial links and possible associates involved in the racket.