NELLORE (ANDHRA PRADESH) (March 3, 2026) — The Nellore city police have dismantled a sophisticated international online cricket betting network, arresting two key operators and freezing assets worth over ₹2 crore. The racket, which utilized advanced encryption and routing technologies, was allegedly coordinated by “super admins” based in Dubai and Bangkok.
The Investigation: From Cheating to Cyber-Crime
The crackdown was initiated following a complaint on February 19, 2026, by a local resident who alleged he was cheated of ₹53 lakh by individuals promising high investment returns.
- The Modus Operandi: The accused lured victims with “investment schemes” but diverted the funds into betting platforms like Radhee Exchange (R777), Victor111, and National 999.
- Global Footprint: Police revealed that the prime accused, P. Mahesh Babu (37), a former software professional, traveled to Sri Lanka and Dubai to learn the technical nuances of these platforms before securing a 30% profit-sharing deal with Dubai-based operators.
- Technology Used: The syndicate used VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to mask their identities and digital footprints while operating from international locations during active cricket seasons.
Arrests and Key Recoveries
Following a technical probe using specialized tools like SDR and KHOJ, a team led by Additional Superintendent of Police (Nellore) Deeksha conducted raids in Buchireddypalem.
| Accused | Profile | Status |
| P. Mahesh Babu (37) | Former Software Engineer (Bengaluru) | Arrested |
| P. Hari Krishna (29) | Former Software Engineer (Bengaluru) | Arrested |
| Venu & Venkata Ramana | Local Coordinators | Arrested (Feb 21) |
| K. Mahesh & K. Manikumar | Associates | Absconding |
Assets Seized/Frozen:
- Cash Recovered: ₹34.65 Lakh
- Bank Accounts Frozen: ₹1.64 Crore
- Digital Footprint: ₹89 Lakh traced through various payment gateways.
- Equipment: 17 mobile phones, laptops, a currency counting machine, and two knives used for intimidating bettors.
Legal Implications
The police have registered cases under the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and criminal intimidation, the IT Act, and the Arms Act. ASP Deeksha noted that the proceeds from the betting were being laundered into real estate, shares, and high-end vehicles, which the police are now moving to attach.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Andhra police arrest two for operating int’l cricket betting racket” (March 3, 2026)
- The Hindu: “Nellore police bust international betting racket, seize ₹34.65 lakh” (March 3, 2026)
- Deccan Chronicle: “Online Cricket Betting Racket with Dubai Links Busted in Nellore” (March 3, 2026)
- Times of India: “Two arrested in cricket betting scam in Nellore” (March 3, 2026)
- India Today: “Investment and cricket betting racket busted in Andhra, Rs 2 crore seized” (February 21, 2026)
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