In a significant crackdown on illegal online gambling, Visakhapatnam Cyber Crime Police have arrested prominent social media influencer Vasupalli Nani, popularly known as 'Local Boy Nani'. With a substantial following of over 2 million subscribers on YouTube, primarily comprising teenagers, Nani allegedly promoted illicit betting applications through his social media platforms, leading to substantial financial losses among his followers.

The arrest was initiated following a complaint lodged on February 21, 2025, by a local youth who reportedly lost nearly ₹2 crore due to investments in online betting platforms such as Dafabet, Parimatch, Mahadev Book, and Rajabet. The victim claimed that Nani's promotional content misled him into believing in high returns with minimal investment, resulting in severe financial distress and debt.

Investigation and Arrest:

Upon receiving the complaint, the Cyber Crime Police conducted a thorough investigation, uncovering that Nani had been actively promoting these illegal betting apps on his YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook accounts. He created videos endorsing these platforms, enticing his predominantly young audience to engage in online betting with promises of easy money and high returns. Further inquiries revealed that Nani received monetary benefits from these promotions.

The police also discovered that other social media influencers were involved in similar activities, promoting illegal betting applications to their followers. Efforts are underway to identify and take legal action against these individuals. Nani was arrested on February 22, 2025, and has been remanded into custody for further investigation.

Official Statements and Warnings:

Visakhapatnam City Commissioner of Police, Shanka Brata Bagchi, issued a stern warning against influencers promoting illegal betting activities. He emphasized that strict legal action would be taken against those misleading the public for personal financial gain. The Commissioner urged citizens to report any information about bookies or individuals involved in such activities to the police, providing a contact number for this purpose.

Impact on the Community:

The incident has sparked widespread concern among parents and community leaders about the influence of social media personalities on youth. The allure of quick money through online betting, especially when promoted by trusted figures, can lead to devastating financial and psychological consequences. Authorities are now focusing on increasing awareness about the risks associated with online gambling and the legal repercussions of participating in such activities.