New Delhi: An app-based online gaming racket has been busted in the city, revealing a complex web of deceit and addiction that trapped numerous young victims. Nine people have been arrested, including its kingpin in Delhi, from northwest Delhi’s Sultanpuri. The gang lured youths into downloading unauthorised applications through shady links, bypassing official app stores. The targets were then made to spend money through UPI and netbanking to buy tokens, which allowed them to place bets online. After operating for two-three months, the app would disappear, only to resurface under a new name and target fresh users. Investigations revealed that the masterminds of the racket were based in Mumbai and controlled it from there, an officer said. The Delhi-based kingpin has been identified as Bhuvender, who was earlier involved in five similar cases. Police seized Rs 85,320, six computer setups and other gambling articles.“The targets were instructed to install unauthorised apps using QR codes and enter an OTP to access the gambling platform,” DCP (outer) Sachin Sharma said. The operation was conducted on Sept 5 in Sultanpuri, where some people were found engaged in online gambling. They tried to flee but were overpowered and arrested. Police have sealed the gambling hub and an FIR has been registered. The recent Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act bans online money and betting games and their promotions.
