Hi-Tech Betting Racket Busted In Mumbai, Two Accused Held

The use of technology in cricket betting world has proved to be a headache for law enforcement agencies. With bookies now using hi-tech methods to evade security agencies, Mumbai police with their human intelligence sources managed to bust a similar racket in a posh locality of South Mumbai. Two persons were arrested for allegedly running an online betting racket. Police have seized Rs 3.85 Lakh and four cellphones from the accused. Ten other accused from the case have absconded. The racket is suspected to be running in crores.

Earlier, law enforcement agencies tracked bookies via their phone locations and by tapping their phone calls. This often was used as evidence to make the case stronger. But with the new technology, the police are unable to keep track of the bookies and trace dirty money. According to DB Marg police, Vicky Jain, 30 and Rajesh Jain, 35 were arrested from their shop at Grant Road in Mumbai. They rent this location and under the disguise of running motorcycle spare parts shop to operate as bookies. They were found accepting bets on the Afghanistan and West Indies cricket match.

"The modus operandi of the accused was to place bets via mobile applications such as lotus247, AB exchange, crickdda, Lotus IO, RB exchange and sky exchange. Both of the accused would then contact their clients and offer them a certain amount after deducting their commission. The money was channeled via online applications and in cash", said a senior police officer.

"After the match results were declared, both accused disbursed the money illegally through various applications and by cash. The money on both teams was decided on the line-ups and total runs being scored in the game. They also placed bets on runs being made every over to earn more money throughout the 100 over game from both sides", said the officer. Both of the accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and have been produced before the Mumbai court.

Recently, a Public Interest Litigation has been filed at the Delhi High Court to ban betting and gambling websites in India.