According to local reporting, investigators discovered 224 mule bank accounts, allegedly used to transfer funds associated with illegal online betting. Police said that transactions exceeded ₹400 crore over six months. Bank accounts were used to funnel money through multiple layers to conceal the source of funds, according to reports.
Police Focus on the Money Route
This particular case is more focused on the bank infrastructure behind betting platforms than on the platforms themselves. This pattern has now become a central issue for the Indian authorities. Offshore or illegal websites can change their domain names, app names, or access points. Bank accounts, UPI transactions, passbooks, ATM cards, and mobile logs can help the police get a more solid trail.
Complaint Led to a Larger Network
The investigation started following a complaint by a Visakhapatnam resident who claimed that he was tricked into opening bank accounts on the pretext of online gaming. According to police, the subsequent investigation revealed that the case involved other accounts allegedly misused for betting transactions.
Authorities said the racket operated across Bengaluru, Raipur, Pune, Goa, and Kolkata. Bengaluru raids led to several arrests, with mobile phones, bank passbooks, ATM cards, laptops, and currency counting machines being recovered.
Konathala Jagadeesh, an accused in this case, was linked to the Maharaja Betting Case in Bhilai. That connection gave investigators another route into the wider betting structure.
Kolkata Arrests Put Platform Control in Focus
Police identified Karan Pakhrani, also known as Gabbar, as the alleged organiser of the network. According to the police, he coordinated interstate operations and managed digital platforms.
Pakhrani and other members of the network were arrested in Kolkata in April 2026. The police mentioned that the gang was involved with platforms such as Ultrawin, Fairplay, Cricway, and 4Ra Book. Local reporting stated that Pakhrani himself controlled two of the platforms.
The operating model is the larger concern. Police identified a system that was composed of bookies, sub-bookies, account handlers, and digital platform managers. Such a system helped the illegal network operate from different cities without consolidating the financial flow in a few accounts.
Loss Estimates Raise Enforcement Pressure
According to gaming industry reports, police estimated suspected illegal earnings and public losses at roughly ₹1,500 crore. Visakhapatnam police have arrested 24 people in connection with this case.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are now trying to track down other beneficiaries, account providers, and individuals involved in transferring money through the banking system.
Takeaways from the Case
For India, the case shows why illegal betting enforcement is moving toward payments, bank misuse, and digital evidence. Blocking apps can slow access, but the financial chain may be harder for operators to replace. The next test is whether police can turn the account trail into charges against the organisers, not only the lower-level handlers.
