Indian police uncover international gambling network linked to cybercrime
Police of the Indian state Bengaluru have uncovered a complex network of agents promoting foreign casinos, with ties to cybercrime syndicates, operating across major Indian cities. The agents, believed to be involved in money laundering and illegal gambling operations, are linked to casinos in Sri Lanka and other countries. Their operations raise serious concerns about the intersection of cybercrime and illegal gambling activities in India.
Gambling network exposed
For the first time, Bengaluru police have identified a web of agents operating not only in Karnataka but also in cities like Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, and Hyderabad. These agents actively promote casinos on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram. The police investigation has revealed that when a potential customer clicks on a link, their location is tracked, and they are connected with an agent operating in their vicinity.
These agents explain the available gambling packages and facilitate payments from the customers. Additionally, they take charge of all logistics, including travel arrangements, accommodation abroad, meals, and, if desired, a companion for the customer. Once the customer reaches the foreign casino, they are provided with coins equivalent to their purchase package, allowing them to gamble in these offshore casinos.
Allure of foreign casinos
Investigation revealed that the attraction of such overseas casinos is that they provide a better chance of winning. Offshore casinos offer gamblers 33 percent win chance, compared to only eight percent in Goa. This difference has left most gamblers taking the risky path of going abroad to ensure more chances of winning, exposing them to both casino addiction and also to the agents who take advantage of them.
Money laundering suspicion
One of the most concerning aspects of this investigation is the suspicion that these agents are involved in money laundering. Police believe the payments made by customers are converted into cryptocurrency, which is then sent to handlers operating abroad. There are currently no registered agents in India, and authorities are uncertain about the methods used to transfer funds from customers to the casinos.
A police officer involved in the case said that this is nothing but money laundering. The police are now preparing to inform the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to probe the money-laundering angle, according to local media DH.
Cybercrime link
The network first came to light during an investigation into a cybercrime case in southern Bengaluru. An elderly couple was digitally arrested after being duped out of ₹4.75 crore in a scam. The fraudsters had instructed the couple to transfer ₹10 lakh to the bank account of a man named Eshwar Singh from Hyderabad.
Upon questioning, Singh revealed that the money was a refund from a casino in Sri Lanka, where he had gambled earlier. This connection led investigators to discover the broader network of agents and casinos involved in illegal activities.
