By – Prakarsh Kastwar
“The Agra Police Cyber Cell was investigating a case after a major OTT platform alleged that data from its channels, including those of sports, was being stolen and misused,” stated Agra Police Commissioner Dr Preetinder Singh.
The Agra police’s cyber cell said it has shut 27 illicit gaming websites that siphoned off money abroad using cryptocurrencies, the dark web, and other payment gateways in a massive crackdown on illegal betting ahead of the Cricket World Cup.
In connection with the case, three people were arrested. Following a complaint submitted by a prominent OTT or ‘over-the-top’ platform, the police were investigating a case registered under the Information Technology Act, the Copyright Act, and the relevant sections of the IPC.
“The Agra Police Cyber Cell was investigating a case after a major OTT platform alleged that data from its channels, including those of sports, was being stolen and misused,” stated Agra Police Commissioner Dr Preetinder Singh.
“An illicit betting ring was discovered throughout the investigation. Several defendants were discovered to be Telanganians. Central agencies will be asked to participate in the arrest of a few more suspects, said Dr. Singh.
A second investigation revealed internet gambling websites with servers in other countries.
According to Dr. Singh, 7,000 “mule” accounts have also been blocked. He continued, “…money was siphoned off to other countries through cryptocurrencies or by using the dark web and other payment gateways that are otherwise tough to trace.”
“After becoming a user on one of these platforms, the cyber cell of the Agra police made progress in the investigation. It prevented roughly 15 lakh Indian individuals from falling victim to a trap, in a sense. According to him, betting was primarily done on basketball, football, rugby, and cricket games.
A bank employee is one of the three people detained.