Investigation into Ravi, the key accused in the iBomma case, reveals that he operated like a professional distributor for pirated content. Ravi allegedly determined the price of pirated films based on the “hero’s craze” and the video quality. Large-scale commercial films featuring top stars were purchased via Telegram for as much as $500, while smaller films were bought for $100 to $200. This illicit trade was highly organized, ensuring that high-quality prints were uploaded to the iBomma site within hours of a movie’s release.
Beyond the piracy itself, Ravi’s financial dealings have shocked the police. He reportedly amassed ₹13 crore through piracy and online betting promotions. Out of this, he allegedly spent ₹10 crore on a lavish lifestyle. To manage these funds without raising suspicion, he used identity theft—stealing certificates from his close friends to create fake PAN cards and bank accounts. The police have frozen 7 bank accounts containing the remaining ₹3 crore and are currently tracing his immovable assets.
To dodge taxes and remain undetected, Ravi set up three front companies—Superior India, Hostel In, and ER Infotech—at a Rangareddy address. He operated a physical office near Usha Mullapudi in Kukatpally with ten employees. In one instance, when ₹1.78 crore was deposited into his account from betting promotions in a single day, he immediately transferred ₹90 lakh to his sister to avoid tax scrutiny. Despite the technical evidence piled against him, Ravi reportedly remains defiant, often questioning the authorities during interrogation.
