iBomma crackdown: New piracy clones emerge online; Founder Ravi booked in 5 cases

Hyderabad: The arrest of iBomma founder Immadhi Ravi has not curbed digital piracy; instead, it has led to the rise of new clone websites that mimic legitimate portals to illegally stream films.

As investigators continue to widen their probe, the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have added forgery charges and confirmed that a total of five separate cases have now been filed against the alleged piracy mastermind.

New cloned piracy platforms surface online

Following the shutdown of iBomma, several imitation websites have emerged, exploiting public interest in pirated content.

A recent viral video showed a fake platform designed to resemble an SBI Term Insurance website, which allowed users to paste iBomma movie URLs and stream films illegally.

Authorities say they are monitoring multiple such clones attempting to bypass the crackdown through deceptive interfaces.

Five cases filed against Ravi across Piracy and Betting Angles

Police revealed that five cases have been filed against Ravi, including one based on a complaint from the Anti-Piracy Cell, another involving betting app promotions, and additional complaints lodged by film directors affected by piracy.

He was arrested earlier this week and is currently in five-day police custody for further interrogation.

Cyber Crime probes his network and technical support

On the second day of custody, Cyber Crime officials continued detailed questioning to uncover the extent of Ravi’s operations.

Investigators are examining multiple angles, including: Who assisted him in running the piracy operations, whether he had a larger network backing him or if he independently managed the entire platform

The sources of technical support that enabled large-scale illegal streaming. Police said that these aspects are critical to mapping the full infrastructure behind iBomma and its 70+ mirror sites.

Forgery charges added to strengthen criminal case

In a separate development, investigators have added forgery-related sections after discovering that Ravi fraudulently obtained a PAN card, bike licence and vehicle registration certificate in another person’s name.

With these additions, the total charges against him now exceed 13 under the IT Act, BNS, Cinematography Act and Foreigners Act. If convicted, he faces three to seven years in prison.

₹3,700-Crore hit to Telugu Film Industry in 2024

Ravi’s arrest follows complaints that major releases including Kuberaa, Single, and HIT: The Third Case, were illegally uploaded to iBomma and its mirror sites immediately after release. The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce estimates Rs 3,700 crore losses to the industry in 2024 due to digital piracy.

Crypto trail and international network under scanner

Investigators are also tracking Ravi’s cryptocurrency transactions and overseas networks. Police say the Saint Kitts and Nevis citizen travelled frequently to the USA, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands to collaborate with betting app operators. Initial findings show monthly crypto transfers of around Rs 15 lakh to his NRI bank accounts.

ED steps in to examine Money Laundering Links

The Enforcement Directorate has joined the investigation to probe the suspected money laundering trail. Officials have already detected Rs 20 crore in illegal earnings and frozen Rs 3.5 crore across bank accounts.

An ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is expected soon, as agencies attempt to fully unravel the financial backbone of the piracy operation.