Bengaluru: Ina major breakthrough in the multi-crore Bitcoin scam that had created massive controversy in Karnataka, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested three key accused, including the prime suspect Srikrishna alias ‘Sriki’. The arrests are expected to intensify the ongoing investigation into the high-profile cryptocurrency and hacking case.
Along with Sriki, the ED has also arrested Robin Khandeval and Sunish Hegde. Officials reportedly detained the trio late on Thursday night after extensive questioning and verification of digital and financial evidence linked to the case.
The accused were produced before a special ED court on Friday. The court has granted the central agency 10 days of custody for further interrogation. ED officials are expected to probe the money trail, cryptocurrency transactions, hacking networks and alleged international links connected to the scam.
Sriki has been described as the main accused in the case and faces serious allegations related to hacking, digital fraud, cybercrime and illegal money laundering. Investigators suspect that crores of rupees were routed through cryptocurrency channels using fake accounts and digital platforms.
Sources said the ED is examining several financial transactions and digital records seized during earlier raids. Officials are also analysing bank accounts, crypto wallets and electronic devices recovered during the investigation.The case had once again grabbed headlines after the ED conducted simultaneous raids at 12 locations across Karnataka on April 21.
The searches were carried out at residences and offices linked to several individuals, including Congress MLA N.A. Harris’ son Mohammed Nalapad, hacker Sriki and Hakib Khan. The searches reportedly continued for nearly 24 hours.
Meanwhile, accused persons including Sunish Hegde and Prasiddh Shetty had earlier approached the High Court seeking quashing of hacking and cheating cases registered against them. The petitions are still pending before the court.
The Bitcoin scam has remained one of Karnataka’s most debated cybercrime investigations due to allegations involving influential individuals, political links and large-scale cryptocurrency transactions. With the latest arrests, officials are expected to widen the probe further and question more suspects connected to the case.