The Cyber Command Unit of the Karnataka Police recently conducted a large-scale crackdown on illegal online betting networks, blocking approximately 8,750 betting websites, mobile applications, and related URLs ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) final. This operation, carried out in coordination with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), aimed to target a network of platforms facilitating illegal cricket betting activities. However, the action also impacted access to legitimate websites, raising concerns about collateral damage.
Specialized cyber teams conducted online investigations to identify organized groups using mirror domains and cloned URLs to evade detection. Director General of Police, Cyber Command, Pranab Mohanty stated that the operation disrupted a significant portion of the illegal betting ecosystem, preventing substantial losses to individuals. Investigations are ongoing to trace financial transactions linked to betting activities and identify the operators behind the platforms.
The blocking action was initiated based on provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Some legitimate websites were inadvertently affected, highlighting the challenges authorities face in combating online betting networks. The IPL season is a peak period for such activities, prompting heightened monitoring and enforcement efforts by law enforcement agencies.
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