UP News:
The Lucknow police have exposed a massive cybercrime racket, arresting 16 members of an inter-state online betting gang. This syndicate was enticing people into online gambling through the 'Lotus Gaming Site' and transferring the accumulated funds to rented bank accounts to withdraw the cash using ATMs. The police recovered one crore rupees in cash, 79 ATM cards, 22 passbooks, 13 checkbooks, 30 mobile phones, three laptops, and two money-counting machines from the suspects.
Investigations revealed that the accused lured individuals to open bank accounts in their names and subsequently rented these accounts for online money transfers. The suspects disclosed during interrogation that as soon as players deposited money for online betting, it was immediately transferred to these rented accounts, followed by quick ATM withdrawals to avoid account blocks.
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Acting on information, police raided Flat No. 403 in Smriti Apartments, under Gudamba police station's jurisdiction, arresting 16 individuals from Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and UP, including Pramod Sahu, Sajid Ansari, Sohail Ashraf Khan, Govind Bhai Prajapati, Rakesh Prahlad Patel, and Ansh Sharma. Suspicious language and behavior of these youths raised suspicions among the locals, leading them to inform the police.
Police Commissioner Amarendra Singh stated that the syndicate has networks in various states, involving individuals ready to rent out their bank accounts for money. Authorities are currently identifying mobile numbers of these account holders and gaming site operators, with the cyber cell investigating digital transactions.
Police anticipate unveiling more significant names and connections as the investigation progresses. The current suspects remain in police custody for ongoing interrogation. Law enforcement agencies in other states have been alerted to dismantle other network segments.
