India, May 28 -- The Odisha Crime Branch has unearthed a major online betting scam and arrested two key accused who allegedly duped a Jajpur-based man of over 1.08 crore over a span of two and a half years.

According to the Crime Branch, the complainant fell prey to a fraudulent online cricket betting scheme between August 2022 and January 2025. Lured by fake websites-www.dream444.com and www.dream666.com-the victim initially invested small sums through PhonePe, hoping for quick returns. As the scam progressed, he ended up transferring over 1.08 crore from his account as well as from accounts of his wife, friends, and staff.

Investigators said the fraudsters used WhatsApp, Telegram, and social media advertisements to promote fake gamin...