TELANGANA: iBomma Probe: CID’s Entry Exposes Hidden Bets
In the Telugu states, the iBomma piracy case has drawn widespread attention since the arrest of key figure Immadi Ravi earlier this month.
Authorities estimate the operation inflicted losses exceeding 24,000 crore rupees on the film industry through unauthorized uploads of new releases.
Recent developments signal a deeper push into Ravi’s financial dealings, blending digital theft with risky online promotions.
Custody Deepens: Ravi Faces Relentless Scrutiny
Hyderabad’s Cyber Crime Police marked a third consecutive day of questioning Ravi on November 22, building on a six-hour session the previous day.
Officials report steady progress in mapping his network, with custody granted for five days to probe potential accomplices.
Ravi, who once taunted law enforcement from abroad, now sits at the center of a multi-agency effort to dismantle his setup.
CID Joins Forces: Betting Links Under the Spotlight
Telangana’s Crime Investigation Department entered the fray on November 21, requesting full records from Cyber Crime units on Ravi’s activities.
This move stems from ongoing CID probes into illegal betting promotions, where iBomma allegedly funneled users toward platforms like 1win and 1xbet.
Investigators suspect Ravi earned up to 20 crore rupees by redirecting traffic, turning free movie streams into gateways for gambling traps.
Key questions guiding the joint inquiry include:
- Sources of freshly leaked films, possibly from hacked servers or theater recordings.
- Roles of agents who handled uploads and domain switches across 65 mirror sites.
- Ties to betting app operators, including international trips to seal ad deals.
Broader Network: From Piracy to Profit Schemes
Ravi’s operation, launched in 2019, drew five million monthly visitors by offering high-definition content from Hollywood classics to Tollywood hits.
Police raids uncovered 21,000 pirated files on seized devices, alongside tools for web hosting in places like the Netherlands and Caribbean islands.
Beyond films, the sites collected user data, raising alarms about privacy breaches and fraud risks.
Financial trails point to cryptocurrency wallets and 35 bank accounts, prompting the Enforcement Directorate’s interest in money laundering angles.
As two agencies coordinate, associates abroad face mounting pressure, with domains like ibomma.
This escalation could unravel a larger web of cyber offenses, reminding creators and viewers alike of the hidden costs behind easy access to entertainment.