Indian Police Dismantle $18M Online Betting Syndicate Operating 30 Illegal Websites
In one of the most significant crackdowns on illegal gambling in recent months, police in Rajasthan have dismantled a vast online betting operation that spanned multiple cities, platforms, and financial networks—exposing the scale and sophistication of underground wagering in India.
Betting Network Modeled After Mahadev Satta
Authorities in Alwar have arrested three men alleged to be at the center of a RS 150 crore (approximately $18 million) online betting ring. According to investigators, the group operated about 30 illicit websites mimicking Mahadev Satta, a known betting brand, to attract users seeking to wager on popular events like the Indian Premier League (IPL), as well as online casino games and regional formats such as matka.
The websites were reportedly custom-built to replicate legitimate platforms, combining familiar design with underground payment channels to facilitate illegal transactions. One of the arrested individuals, a software engineer, is believed to have played a key role in creating and maintaining these digital fronts.
The police described a multi-layered operation that extended far beyond simple betting. Fake mobile applications were used to onboard players, while digital wallets and hawala networks helped distribute and launder the proceeds. Over 60,000 individuals—including agents and end users—are thought to have participated in the scheme.
During the raid, officers from the Udyog Nagar Police Station confiscated a range of equipment and financial tools, including two laptops, six Android phones, a hard drive, 15 ATM cards, and a vehicle. These items are now being used as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Arrests Made Following Targeted Intelligence
The suspects—Nitin Paliwal, Mahesh Sharma, and Piyush Sharma—were tracked down in Alwar and Mathura after police received a tip-off about the operation’s scope. The breakthrough came when Paliwal was intercepted on his return from Agra. Information retrieved from his devices allowed authorities to map out the rest of the network and identify its key participants.
Police say the group was involved in every stage of the betting supply chain, from platform development and app deployment to payment routing and investment. Proceeds from the operation were allegedly funneled into property deals across several cities, further complicating the financial trail.
The arrested individuals are currently in four-day custody as the investigation expands. Law enforcement officials have indicated that the financial footprint of the group suggests links to other cities and possibly other betting networks. Seizure of assets under organised crime provisions is also being considered.