The Gujarat Police’s State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has expanded its probe into an alleged online cricket betting and cyber fraud racket, uncovering a network linked to transactions worth more than ₹324 crore. So far, 10 people have been arrested, while investigators continue to trace financial links across India and abroad.
The investigation began in May with the arrest of Vijay Kardani from Ahmedabad’s Nikol area. Acting on specific intelligence, police seized electronic devices, cash, a car and other assets worth over ₹15.73 lakh. The arrest led investigators to a larger network allegedly involved in illegal online betting during the IPL season.
Police subsequently registered a case against 47 accused, including a wanted kingpin identified as Rajvirsingh and several alleged clients and facilitators. The accused have been booked under provisions of the Gambling Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.
According to investigators, members of the network used mule bank accounts to transfer and conceal money generated through illegal betting and cyber fraud activities. Data recovered from the accused revealed thousands of bank accounts allegedly linked to the operation.
Police found details of 281 bank accounts in one accused’s mobile phone, while another device contained records of 1,907 accounts. Hundreds of these accounts had already been frozen following complaints registered through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCCRP).
The probe also uncovered a commission-based system for operating mule accounts. Investigators allege that accused Akash Nayak managed betting-related financial transactions under a franchise arrangement linked to a Dubai-based handler and further expanded the network across India through sub-franchise operators.
Authorities said 354 bank accounts connected to the racket were linked to cybercrime complaints filed in multiple states. A total of 542 cyber fraud complaints have been traced to the accounts under investigation, with alleged losses to victims exceeding ₹324.58 crore.
The arrested accused include Akash Nayak, Anil Kotak, Pratik Maradiya, Vijay Kardani, Ashvin Mendapara, Jay alias Shambhu Kaneriya, Hiren Kathritiya, Navnit Khambala, Jay alias Raja Aghera and Meet Kalariya.
Police believe the network has been active for nearly two years and may involve additional beneficiaries and handlers operating both within India and overseas. Further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.