The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police arrested four individuals for allegedly facilitating large scale online betting fraud by supplying SIM cards used in illegal betting operations.
The accused were identified as Mohammed Syeed Uddin alias Farid, Mohd Tajuddin, Mohd Younis alias Arbaaz and MD. Ayub, all residents of the Charminar area in Hyderabad. Police said the group provided SIM cards obtained in the names of relatives and acquaintances, which were later used to promote fraudulent betting platforms through social media and messaging apps.
According to investigators, a 36 year old resident of Hyderabad was approached through WhatsApp messages and phone calls by individuals claiming to represent an online betting platform called “BETINEXCHANGE.” The fraudsters encouraged him to participate in cricket betting, Teen Patti and casino style online games, promising high returns.
The victim initially invested ₹20,001 and received a small profit, which built trust. Over time, he was persuaded to deposit larger sums through bank transfers, UPI payments, QR codes and cash deposit machines. Between 2025 and January 2026, he transferred around ₹1.5 crore from his and his wife’s bank accounts. Though he initially received about ₹20 lakh as returns, the platform later blocked withdrawals and redirected him to other linked betting websites, causing heavy financial losses.
Police said the main accused, Mohammed Syeed Uddin, had previously worked in a cricket betting call centre in Dubai. After returning to India, he allegedly arranged SIM cards from acquaintances by offering ₹600 per card. The co-accused collected SIM cards registered in the names of relatives and handed them over to him.
Investigators revealed that around 250 SIM cards were later transported to Dubai and supplied to another accused from Gujarat, who reportedly paid ₹1,200 per SIM card. The cards were used by members of the network to operate illegal betting websites and contact victims while posing as customer support agents.
A case has been registered under sections of the IT Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Telangana Gaming Act. During the operation, police seized five mobile phones.
Officials said further investigation is underway to trace the money trail, freeze additional bank accounts linked to the fraud, and arrest other suspects believed to be involved in the online betting racket.
