BENGALURU: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday carried out searches at multiple locations across Karnataka, including premises linked to the sons of Karnataka Congress MLA N A Haris, in connection with a cryptocurrency-linked money laundering probe. Officials said searches are being conducted at around 12 premises under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Srikrishna Ramesh alias Sriki and other accused persons. The probe stems from multiple FIRs and chargesheets filed by Karnataka Police in connection with offences such as hacking of national and international websites, alleged theft of bitcoins, extortion, and violations under the NDPS Act. According to officials, the investigation under PMLA has revealed a modus operandi involving hacking of websites and crypto wallets to steal virtual digital assets (VDAs), followed by their sale through crypto trading platforms. The proceeds were then routed through bank accounts to layer transactions and subsequently used for personal gains by the accused. Searches were also carried out at premises linked to Mohammed Haris Nalapad and Omar Farook Nalapad, sons of MLA N A Haris, who represents the Shantinagar assembly constituency in Bengaluru.
Officials said the two are alleged to be close associates of Srikrishna Ramesh and are suspected to be among the beneficiaries of the proceeds of crime generated through the alleged crypto-linked activities. Further investigation is underway, officials added.(With agency inputs)
