India Probe Exposes Alleged Dafabet Betting Network

Authorities in the southern state of Telangana have placed 11 people under arrest, after accusing them of allegedly helping facilitate betting activities linked to Dafabet. 

Complex Structure

Investigators claim that the operation involved a complex structure that featured bank accounts, shell companies, as well as technical support services and payment channels used to move money while steering clear of detection.

The investigation, led by the Telangana Criminal Investigation Department, uncovered 46 so- called mule bank accounts operating through multiple layers of transactions across several Indian states. 

Authorities believe the accounts were used to collect and transfer gambling funds through a network of intermediaries.

Mule accounts, a common feature of illegal betting operations, are commonly obtained from individuals who hand over access to their banking facilities in exchange for money. 

Once they are acquired, these accounts can be integrated into larger payment systems that make it more difficult for authorities to trace financial transactions back to gambling operators.

Investigators allege that the arrested suspects played several different roles within the network, from sourcing bank accounts to processing players’ deposits, managing shell companies and handling technical infrastructure.

Authorities also claim the operation relied heavily on marketing campaigns that were advertising cricket betting, casino products, and the popular Aviator game. 

According to investigators’ findings, new users were frequently attracted with promises of quick profits and early payouts designed to build confidence before encouraging larger wagers.

“Illegal online betting platforms are not harmless gaming avenues; they are organized criminal enterprises that exploit vulnerable citizens, siphon money through layered financial networks and fuel cyber-enabled crime,” commented Telangana CID Director General Charu Sinha.

Over 20 Years of Operations

Dafabet was founded in the Philippines more than two decades ago, in 2004, when it started offering its services under a license issued by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority. The jurisdiction became known for licensing operators serving customers outside the Philippines.

The gambling brand has also maintained regulated operations in the United Kingdom and Malta through a number of licensing partnerships that enable operators to offer regulatory and technical services under a separate legal framework.

Throughout the years, Dafabet has become globally known for signing important sponsorship agreements with major sports organizations, including Scottish football giant Celtic FC and several clubs in the English Premier League.