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Bitcoin scam: ED arrests hacker Sriki, two others
The ED arrested Srikrishna alias Sriki and two others in Bengaluru in connection with an alleged cryptocurrency scam tied to a 2017 hacking case. They were produced before a special ED court and kept in custody for 10 days for interrogation, following raids at multiple locations earlier in April. The investigation links bitcoin movements from a Dubai-based exchange to prominent local figures.
Why It Matters
The arrests illustrate ongoing enforcement against alleged cryptocurrency scams and cyber-financial crime, with potential political connections drawing public attention in Karnataka.
Timeline
2 Events
May 9, 2026: ED arrests Sriki and two others in Bengaluru
May 9, 2026
The ED arrested prime accused Srikrishna alias Sriki, along with Robin Khandeval and Sunish Hegde in connection with the alleged cryptocurrency scam. The trio were produced before a special ED court and taken into custody for 10 days for further interrogation.
April 20, 2026: ED raids at 12 locations linked to Sriki and associates
April 20, 2026
The ED carried out raids at 12 locations, including premises allegedly linked to Srikrishna alias Sriki, and the homes of Mohammed Haris Nalapad and Omar Farook Nalapad (sons of Shantinagar MLA N.A. Haris), and Mohammed Hakeeb Khan (grandson of former Union Minister K. Rehman Khan). The case is connected to a 2017 hacking incident in which bitcoins stolen from a Dubai-based crypto exchange were allegedly routed to the Nalapads. Officials noted suspicious money transfers through Hakeeb Khan’s bank accounts and said transactions between Hakeeb Khan and Sriki are under scrutiny. The ED had previously probed the case through the CCB and CID before taking over.