Varanasi Police have arrested three men suspected of operating an interstate online betting racket that allegedly defrauded people of more than ₹8.14 crore. Investigators say the accused used a Telegram group to attract participants with promises of doubling their money through online Ludo betting.
The investigation has reportedly identified 19 cybercrime complaints across nine states, indicating that the alleged operation extended well beyond Varanasi. The case highlights the risks associated with online groups that promote unrealistic financial returns and collect money through digital payment channels.
Three Suspects Arrested by Varanasi Cybercrime Cell
The Cybercrime Cell of the Varanasi Police Commissionerate, along with Sarnath Police, arrested the three suspects on Friday. They were identified as Sagar Sethi, Mangal Kumar and Sudeep Kashyap, all residents of Shiv Vihar Colony in Aktha, Sarnath.
During the operation, police recovered four mobile phones from the accused and obtained details of seven bank accounts allegedly associated with the betting network.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Apoorva Pandey said the suspects were linked to complaints from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
According to investigators, the 19 complaints involved alleged financial losses totalling ₹8,14,63,918.94. Authorities have also frozen ₹1,46,828.98 remaining in seven bank accounts connected with the case.
The difference between the alleged total losses and the amount frozen highlights the scale of the financial investigation still facing authorities. The frozen amount represents funds reportedly remaining in the identified accounts, not the total recovery of the alleged losses.
Telegram Group Allegedly Used to Attract Participants
According to the police investigation, the accused allegedly operated a Telegram group called “New Ludo Parivar”. The group was reportedly used to encourage people to participate in online Ludo betting activities that authorities described as banned.
Participants were allegedly attracted through promises that their money could double within a short period. Police say individuals were encouraged to transfer funds to take part in the betting arrangement.
The money was reportedly received through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions into bank accounts associated with the accused.
Investigators allege that the operators deducted a commission from the money received and returned the remaining amount to participants, presenting the payments as betting profits. This allegedly created an impression that users were earning money and encouraged further deposits.
Police believe this arrangement helped the suspected network attract participants and collect substantial sums across different states.
The investigation is expected to examine the financial transactions, bank accounts and digital evidence recovered during the arrests to establish the full extent of the alleged operation.
Online Financial Offers Raise Cybercrime Concerns
The case demonstrates how messaging platforms and digital payment systems can be misused in suspected financial fraud. Online groups promising unusually high or guaranteed returns deserve particular scrutiny, especially when participants are asked to transfer money to unfamiliar accounts.
Individuals should be cautious about financial offers that rely on urgency, guaranteed profits or informal payment arrangements. Screenshots of supposed winnings and testimonials shared within private groups should not be treated as proof that an activity is genuine.
Useful precautions include:
Avoid transferring money to unknown accounts for unverified online schemes.
Do not rely on promises of guaranteed or unusually high returns.
Verify financial platforms and their legal status before making payments.
Keep transaction records and relevant communications if suspicious activity occurs.
Contact your bank and report suspected cyber fraud promptly.
For businesses and individuals, reviewing suspicious transactions and maintaining proper financial records can support early identification of irregularities. Professional financial investigation services can also help organisations examine unusual transaction patterns and strengthen financial oversight.
Investigation Continues Across Multiple States
The arrests mark a significant development in the Varanasi investigation, but the allegations remain subject to further examination. Police will need to establish the role of the suspects, trace the movement of funds and assess the complaints registered across the nine states.
The case is another reminder that promises of quick online profits can conceal substantial financial risks, particularly when money is transferred through informal digital networks.