Bengaluru, April 20: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched extensive operations on Monday in Bengaluru, targeting a significant case related to money laundering and cyber crime. This action is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of 2002. The ED’s team simultaneously raided approximately 12 locations across Karnataka. The investigation is reportedly linked to the alleged cyber criminal, Shrikrishna alias Shreeki, and his associates.
According to sources, the inquiry was initiated based on multiple FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Karnataka police. These documents allege crimes such as hacking of national and international websites, Bitcoin theft, extortion, and violations of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The ED’s investigation revealed that the entire network operated in a highly organized manner. Initially, websites and digital wallets were hacked to steal crypto assets. Following this, the stolen digital assets were sold through various crypto trading platforms to obscure their original source. The proceeds were then transferred to multiple bank accounts, complicating tracking efforts. Ultimately, the illicit earnings were utilized by the accused and their close associates for personal gain.
During the raids, the ED also targeted several other significant locations, including the residences of Mohammad Harris Nalapad and Omar Farooq Nalapad. Both are sons of MLA N.A. Harris from the Shantinagar constituency in Karnataka. The investigating agency claims that these individuals are close associates of Shrikrishna Ramesh and are allegedly among the primary beneficiaries of the illegal earnings from this crime.
Additionally, the ED conducted operations at another location linked to Aqib Khan, the grandson of former Union Minister K. Rahman Khan. His uncle, Mansoor Ali Khan, contested elections from the Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha seat. The ED suggests that Aqib Khan is also considered a direct beneficiary of the income generated from these alleged crimes.
The ED team has seized documents, digital devices, and records related to financial transactions from all locations. These items are under examination to unravel the layers of the entire network and determine how the money circulated among various individuals.
Currently, the ED’s operations are ongoing, and a thorough investigation is underway. The agency indicates that this could be a vast cyber-financial network involving multiple levels of participants. Further investigations are expected to yield more significant revelations.
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