AI deepfakes used in illegal IPL betting scam across 1,200+ domains
CloudSEK researchers uncovered a massive illegal betting scam during IPL 2026 involving over 1,200 domains, deepfake videos of cricketers endorsing fraudulent platforms, and deliberate refusal to process user withdrawals. The ecosystem incorporated compromised government websites, fake loan apps, and money laundering networks to target Indian cricket fans.
What happened
Cybersecurity firm CloudSEK identified more than 1,200 domains actively promoting illegal betting platforms during IPL 2026. Researchers gained access to an admin panel for a betting platform simultaneously operating over 25 betting websites through a single backend system.
AI-generated deepfake videos featuring Indian cricketers and digital creators were used to falsely endorse betting platforms and prediction channels, circulated primarily through Instagram reels and Telegram to lure users. Between May 2025 and May 2026, more than 9,300 withdrawal requests on one platform network were intentionally rejected by platform operators, leading to estimated user losses of around ₹4.65 crore.
The ecosystem included compromised Indian government websites carrying injected backlinks redirecting users to illegal betting portals, money mule networks using business-registered bank accounts, black hat SEO networks, bulk SMS operators, and fake loan applications targeting users after betting losses.
Reported impact
Users experienced deliberate denial of withdrawal requests totalling estimated losses of around ₹4.65 crore on a single platform network alone. The broader ecosystem is reported to lock users into illegal betting with no way to withdraw, and ultimately monetise them via intimidation, coercion and blackmail.
Fake loan apps were found collecting access to contacts, photographs and call logs from users before allegedly using the information for coercion and harassment.
Index analysis
The deepfake videos impersonated trusted public figures to enhance the credibility of fraudulent betting endorsements, exploiting the trust Indian cricket fans have in cricketers and digital creators. AI-generated content combined with compromised government websites and organic search optimisation to increase discoverability and reach of scam platforms.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.