City police have uncovered a vast network of cyber fraud involving the on-line gaming application Lotus 365, which is notorious for cricket betting. The police have identified 1,658 bank accounts which revealed transactions of approximately Rs 5 crore across just 36 of those accounts. The information exposed the extent of cyber fraud, with total transactions amounting to hundreds of crores by the fraudsters. Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Singal announced on Tuesday that 24-year-old Salim Resham Khan from Alwar, Rajasthan was arrested, who is alleged to be a key player in the operation. The investigation began when Vijay Kumar Rachhawar, a resident of Nagpur, reported his mobile phone stolen and Rs 25,800 transferred from his bank account via the PhonePe application. Following a detailed investigation, Salim was arrested, and police seized three mobile phones and a laptop containing critical evidence. A thorough examination of Salim’s laptop revealed details of 1,658 bank accounts being used for on-line betting transactions.

 

These accounts span multiple states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Police officials suspect that the accounts were opened using fake identities or were rented which indicated a well-organized fraud that has victimised thousands. So far, the police have recorded 220 complaints against Salim and his associates, with victims scattered across Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. And, 16 of these complaints are from Maharashtra, with two cases reported in Nagpur alone. Investigators suspects that this number may continue to grow as more victims come forward.

 

 

Preliminary investigations have established a direct link between the fraudulent transactions and the Lotus 365 application. As a result, the operator of Lotus 365 is expected to be named as an accused in the case. CP Dr Singal revealed that employees working under Salim operated in three shifts, and further investigations will reveal each person’s role within the organisation. The police have also uncovered connections to international operations, with indications that this cricket betting racket has ties to Dubai.