Police in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district have uncovered an alleged investment fraud and online cricket betting racket, arresting two individuals and seizing assets worth nearly Rs 2 crore during a coordinated operation.
The action was carried out under the supervision of Nellore Superintendent of Police Ajitha Vejendla, with a special team led by Town Additional Superintendent of Police Deeksha and Circle Inspector Sambasiva Rao conducting raids that exposed what officials described as a well-organised illegal network. Investigators said the operation was run through the Radhee Exchange App (R777) and a linked website, r777.us, which were allegedly used to facilitate online betting activities.
The arrested accused were identified as Kusetti Venu Gopal (23), believed to be the main organiser of the racket, and Bitra Venkata Ramana (31), who allegedly managed cash transactions and financial handling for the syndicate. According to police, the group attracted victims by promoting fraudulent high-return investment schemes while simultaneously operating illegal cricket betting platforms.
The investigation began after a complaint from a Nellore resident who alleged he had been cheated of Rs 53 lakh after being promised guaranteed investment profits. During the raid, officers recovered Rs 34.65 lakh in cash and froze multiple bank accounts containing more than Rs 1.64 crore. Authorities also seized 13 mobile phones, a laptop, a monitor, and a television, which were allegedly used to manage betting operations and communications.
Police said two knives were also recovered from the premises, claiming they were used to intimidate bettors who sought refunds or raised disputes over losses.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating and criminal intimidation, along with sections of the Information Technology Act for online fraud, the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act for illegal betting, and the Arms Act for possession of weapons. Investigators are continuing to analyse financial trails and digital evidence to identify additional individuals linked to the racket and determine the full extent of the operation.
