Hyderabad, March 31 -- The Hyderabad cybercrime unit cracked down on illegal online betting, gaming promotions, and fake investment scams and identified 129 social media profiles in March.

The 129 social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram were running 494 paid advertisements that promoted betting apps and fraudulent investment schemes targeting Indian users.

These ads used tactics like promises of easy money, bonuses, referral commissions, and even deepfake videos of celebrities to lure victims, the police said in a release.

All identified profiles have been taken down and reported. Authorities have also removed 209 profiles and 746 advertisements linked to such illegal activities under ongoing cyber patrol efforts.

Investigatio...