The Odisha Crime Branch has cracked a major online betting scam, arresting two key accused who allegedly duped a Jajpur-based man of over Rs1.08 crore over two and a half years.
The victim was lured by fraudulent cricket betting websites—dream444.com and dream666.com—and initially invested small sums via PhonePe, hoping for quick returns. Over time, he transferred Rs1.08 crore from his own account and those of his wife, friends, and staff.
The scammers promoted fake gaming apps through WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media, tricking victims into sharing sensitive UPI credentials and OTPs, and encouraged payments through multiple “mule” bank accounts.
Following a complaint on May 1, 2025, a technical investigation revealed the use of phishing sites and misuse of personal data to open fake bank accounts.
The arrested accused are:
Rohan alias Sk Wasiul Islam (29), Raipur Pashimbarh, Contai, West Bengal
Jyoti Prakash Pallai (36), Press Colony, Unit-III, Bhubaneswar
Both were produced before the OPID Court in Cuttack. The case is registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the IT Act, the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, and the OPID Act.
During the raid, police seized passbooks, cheque books, mobile phones, SIM cards, Aadhaar and PAN cards, and a GST certificate. Several linked bank accounts have been frozen.
The Crime Branch warns citizens to avoid suspicious gaming apps and unsolicited messages, and to report cyber fraud promptly via the cyber helpline at 1930 or online at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
