The Karnataka State Cyber Command, acting in coordination with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), has dismantled one of the largest illegal online betting networks ever targeted in India, taking action against nearly 8,750 digital platforms across websites, mobile applications, mirror domains, sub-domains, and cloned URLs. The operation, announced on Monday, 1 June, marks a significant escalation in the state's fight against cyber-enabled gambling fraud.

Scale of the Operation

Specialised cyber teams conducted a coordinated online investigation after receiving credible intelligence inputs, identifying organised syndicates running illegal cricket betting platforms. Investigators found that operators were systematically deploying multiple mirror domains and cloned websites to evade detection and sustain their illegal activities across jurisdictions.

The targeted platforms collectively spanned 8,750 betting-related digital assets, making this one of the broadest single anti-betting sweeps recorded in the country, according to the Cyber Command's statement.

Legal Sections Invoked

Based on the investigation's findings, a case was registered under Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act, along with Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Authorities confirmed that further investigation is currently underway, with legal proceedings expected to expand as more individuals are identified.

Impact on Citizens

The Cyber Command stated that thousands of citizens across the country had allegedly suffered significant financial losses, data breaches, mental harassment, and debt-related distress as a result of these networks. Notably, many vulnerable individuals reportedly lost their life savings through credit-based betting systems operated by the syndicates — a pattern that investigators say is deliberately engineered to trap users in cycles of debt.

Officials said the crackdown had disrupted a substantial portion of the illegal online betting ecosystem and was expected to prevent further financial harm to the public.

Financial Tracking and Next Steps

The investigation has entered an advanced stage, with cyber experts now focusing on tracing the financial flows linked to funds transacted through the betting platforms and identifying the individuals and groups behind the networks. Authorities are pursuing additional legal action under both the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

What the Cyber Command Said

Director General of Police, Cyber Command, Pronab Mohanty, said the Karnataka State Cyber Command remains committed to protecting citizens from cyber-enabled crimes and ensuring a safe digital environment. He also acknowledged the role of the I4C and the cyber teams involved, crediting their coordination for the operation's scale and success.

As financial tracking intensifies and more operators are identified, further arrests and platform takedowns are expected in the coming weeks.