Nepal Police Dismantle Cross-Border Betting Operation in Pokhara, Eight Held

A police raid on a rented house in Pokhara has uncovered what investigators describe as a cross-border online betting operation tied to a larger criminal network based in India. Eight people were arrested after officers searched the property, where the group had allegedly been running illegal gambling services for months.

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The operation took place in Sedi, Pokhara, after Kaski Police received intelligence about suspicious activity at a seven-room house. Investigators believe the location functioned as the 27th branch of a wider betting network operating across the border.

Police say the business relied heavily on Telegram and WhatsApp to recruit users, circulate betting links, and manage payments. Cricket, football, and online casino games were among the products offered. Authorities estimate the network processed more than NPR 200 million in transactions since May.

Investigators also allege the group generated daily profits of between INR 300,000 and INR 400,000 by routing payments through rented Indian bank accounts, pointing to an organized financial structure rather than a small local operation.

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Seven Indian Nationals Among Those Arrested

Those taken into custody include the suspected operator, 34-year-old Indian national Satyam Singh, along with Nepalese citizen Dinesh Singh Bohora, 31, from Darchula. Five other Indian nationals were also arrested: Harsh Umrete, Vishal Chaud, Jaman Singh Tamar, Vikran Singh, Ajitesh Kumar Mishra, and Satyam Rajput.

During the search, officers confiscated equipment believed to have supported the betting business. The haul included seven laptops, four mini desktop computers, six monitors, 31 smartphones, 34 active Indian SIM cards, and backup power systems.

Financial Investigation Continues

All eight suspects remain in police custody while investigators examine the wider financial network behind the operation. The inquiry is now focused on tracing the movement of funds across the Nepal-India border and identifying any additional individuals or linked branches connected to the alleged betting enterprise.

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Sources: english.nepalnews.com