Online Cricket Betting Racket with Dubai Links Busted in Nellore

Tirupati: The Nellore city police have busted an online cricket betting racket allegedly linked to Dubai-based operators, arrested four persons and froze over Rs.1.64 crore in bank accounts.

Additional SP, Deeksha, said the illegal operation was being run through the ‘Radhee Exchange App (R777)’ using the web link r777.us. “The network was creating user IDs for customers and money was being collected through bank transfers and digital payment modes. Participants were encouraged to place bets on live cricket matches with the promise of high returns,” she said.

The racket came to light on February 19 after a victim approached the Balajinagar police station alleging that he had been cheated of Rs.53 lakh.

According to the ASP, the victim was lured into investing money with assurances of quick and high profits. “When neither the profits nor the principal amount were returned and as he was allegedly threatened, he filed a complaint,” she stated.

A case was registered and special teams were formed to trace the accused and track the financial transactions.

During raids at Buchireddypalem, police arrested Venu and Venkata Ramana, who were allegedly handling local operations. They seized Rs.34.65 lakh in cash, 13 mobile phones, a laptop, two knives and a money-counting machine. “As part of the financial investigation, bank accounts holding Rs.1,64,74,600 have been frozen, the ASP said.

Investigations revealed that the prime accused, P Mahesh Babu (37), a former software professional, had travelled to Sri Lanka and Dubai to study the functioning of online betting platforms. “Mahesh secured a 30 per cent share in the Radhee Exchange App from Dubai-based operators and distributed 15 per cent shares to local associates to run operations in Nellore district,” the ASP explained.

Police also arrested his associate P Hari Krishna (29). Two others, K Mahesh Kumar and K Manikumar, were absconding.