A 23-year-old man from Sydney is facing serious charges after allegedly orchestrating a large-scale online betting scam that defrauded victims of more than AU$2 million. The suspect was arrested following a police investigation that began in August 2023, when authorities received multiple reports about a suspicious gambling platform.
According to the New South Wales Police, the scheme involved promoting a fake online betting service that appeared legitimate at first glance. Victims were reportedly promised high returns and fast profits, only to discover that their money had vanished. At least 14 individuals are believed to have lost significant funds in the scam, which operated under the guise of a professional betting operation.
Multiple Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The accused voluntarily appeared at Bankstown Police Station on Tuesday and was formally charged with 14 offences. These include dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, using false documentation for personal gain, and demanding money with menaces. He is scheduled to appear before the Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether more people were affected or involved in the operation. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has previously warned of an uptick in fraudulent gambling platforms that exploit users by mimicking licensed services.
The suspect remains in custody and will face a magistrate to respond to the charges. Officials emphasize the growing risk of fake betting sites in Australia and urge the public to verify the legitimacy of any gambling platforms before depositing funds.
Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/29808/sydney-man-charged-over-alleged-au2m-online-gambling-scam
