Noida Police have successfully dismantled an interstate gang implicated in online betting fraud, with six arrests made during the operation. A significant find during the investigation included a mobile phone linked to a series of bomb threats issued to schools in Delhi. Authorities revealed that the device houses multiple threatening messages directed towards various educational institutions. This phone was recovered amidst the Special Task Force’s ongoing inquiry into a recovery email associated with the threats and is undergoing forensic analysis. Investigators are currently exploring the potential connections between the threatening emails and the illegal betting network.
Recent Threats to Delhi Schools
Numerous schools in Delhi have faced bomb threats in recent months, leading to severe disruptions in academic activities. The latest incidents occurred on a Thursday, when fresh threat emails were dispatched to several schools in the capital. The case that prompted the apprehension of the six suspects, which includes nationals from Nepal, is connected to a threat email received on January 23 targeting Delhi schools.
International Links to Threat Emails
During the inquiry, police discovered that the threatening email had its origins traced back to the United States. Further investigation revealed that the emails linked to these threats had connections in both Bangladesh and India. After conducting digital tracking, law enforcement traced the operation to a location in Greater Noida, where the STF arrested the suspects on Friday.
Identities of the Arrested Individuals
The arrested individuals have been identified as Amish Jung Karki from Nepal, Anant Kumar from Agra, Divyashu from Bihar, Sahil Kumar from Bihar, Lekhnath Sharma from Nepal, and Kedarnath from Nepal. Notably, Amish is considered the main perpetrator and is reported to have received education in Australia.
Operation of Illegal Betting Network
According to police reports, the gang operated a clandestine online betting network disguised as a call centre located in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, and Shahberi, Greater Noida. A series of raids conducted at the suspected sites resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic devices. The investigation disclosed that the gang utilised fictitious email accounts bearing American-sounding names to attract customers. Many of these email accounts were logged on the confiscated mobile phones and laptops. Additionally, the suspects employed VPN services and counterfeit GPS location applications to obscure their actual locations.
Target Demographics and Financial Crimes
The gang predominantly targeted individuals in the United States, India, and Nepal, encouraging them to invest in online betting schemes and amassing considerable sums from their victims. They were also reportedly providing technical support across various betting platforms. The police operation led to the recovery of four laptops, 22 mobile phones, two Nepali passports, two fabricated Aadhaar cards, four PAN cards, a cheque book, a Nepali PAN card, a citizenship identity card, a driving license, and cash amounting to Rs 19,500.
Ongoing Investigations into Network
Further investigations are actively taking place to uncover additional members of the network and any possible international connections. Authorities are also examining how many individuals have been defrauded, the total amount of money taken, and the duration of the operation.
