Surat Police Crack Online Gaming and Trading Scam

Surat, Gujarat – In one of the biggest financial crime busts in recent times, Surat’s Special Operations Group (SOG) has uncovered a massive illegal Dabba trading and online gaming racket operating under the guise of a construction business. The total financial transactions linked to this racket have crossed a staggering ₹943 crore, and 8 accused have been arrested so far.

The scam was being run from an office named “Sunrise Developers” at Meridian Business Center, near Lajamani Chowk in Mota Varachha in Surat. While it was officially registered as a construction firm, the office served as a front for conducting illegal stock market Dabba trading and online gaming operations.

“This is a clear case of large-scale financial fraud and digital manipulation. The accused used fake business fronts to carry out unregulated trading and gaming activities, causing massive losses to the exchequer,” said a senior SOG officer.

During the raid, the police seized goods worth ₹17.30 lakh, including: 19 mobile phones,4 laptops, ₹10 lakh in cash,13 SIM cards,31 bank passbooks, 87 chequebooks, Printer machines, paper cutters, invoice files, and color printers.

The investigation has revealed that over 200 individuals were actively participating in online gaming and Dabba trading through various apps. Financial records show that, apart from the ₹943 crore moved through illegal gaming and trading apps, ₹4.62 crore were found across various bank accounts used by the accused.

“These platforms were being used not just for illegal financial activity, but also to launder money and avoid government scrutiny. The operation was extremely well-organized,” the officer added.

Authorities suspect a much larger syndicate may be involved, and further arrests are likely as the investigation expands. The accused were using encrypted apps and multiple banking channels to carry out their illegal activities, making detection difficult.

The SOG has now handed over the case to financial intelligence agencies for deeper investigation into money laundering and tax evasion.

“The nexus between online gaming, Dabba trading, and black money is dangerous. This must be stopped before more youth fall prey to digital gambling and unregulated markets,” said an SOG official.