Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch has cracked an online betting racket with the arrest of two persons, who allegedly duped a Jajpur resident of Rs 1.08 crore over two and a half years.
They have been identified as Rohan alias Sk Wasiul Islam (29) of Raipur Pashimbarh, Contai, West Bengal, and Jyoti Prakash Pallai (36) of Press Colony, Unit-III, Bhubaneswar. While Islam runs a sports goods and cashew business, Pallai, who holds a diploma in engineering, is involved in construction works.
According to a CB release, the arrests were made on the basis of a complaint filed by a Kalinganagar (Jajpur) resident on May 1.
The victim alleged that he was defrauded by cybercriminals, who lured him to invest in fraudulent websites, www.dream444.com and www.dream666.com, for quick returns. He transferred over Rs 1.08 crore from his own account and those of his wife, friends, and staff between August 2022 and January 2025.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the scammers used WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media ads to promote deceptive gaming apps promising high returns. Victims were manipulated into sharing sensitive information like UPI details and OTPs and were induced to transfer funds to various “mule” bank accounts.
The accused not only ran phishing websites but also misused personal data to open fake bank accounts. Incriminating items, including passbooks, cheque books, mobile phones, SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and a GST certificate, were seized from them. Several bank accounts linked to the scam have been frozen.
Both were produced before the OPID Court in Cuttack, with the case registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the IT Act, the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, and the OPID Act, the release further stated.
The Crime Branch also cautioned the public against engaging with suspicious gaming apps and websites promoted through unsolicited messages or social media. “People are encouraged to report cyber fraud immediately by contacting the cyber helpline at 1930 or filing a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in,” it added.
