The Congress government in Karnataka has taken decisive action by ordering a probe into a Bitcoin scam that occurred during the tenure of the previous BJP government. In response to a request from Bengaluru Commissioner B Dayananda for a CID probe, the state government has formed a special investigation team (SIT) headed by additional director general of Police (ADGP) Manish Karbikar.
Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara stated, “Karnataka government orders an SIT probe into the Bitcoin scam. Bengaluru Commissioner B Dayananda had asked the government to order a CID probe into the matter. ADGP Manish Karbikar to head the probe,” as reported by news agency ANI. State Minister Priyank Kharge also confirmed that the government has already initiated multiple probes across various departments.
The decision to investigate the alleged Bitcoin scam follows Chief Minister Siddaramiah’s recent announcement that irregularities and scams that occurred during the previous government’s rule would be thoroughly examined. Commissioner Dayananda revealed that the scam has potentially involved both national and international networks, employing sophisticated technological methodologies for its execution.
One phase of the investigation has already been completed, with ongoing efforts to uncover additional networks involved in the scam. Commissioner Dayananda highlighted that the perpetrators hacked the government’s e-procurement portal, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and organized investigation.
The case came to light through the arrest of Srikrishna Ramesh by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) on drug peddling charges. During the arrest, the CCB seized 31 Bitcoins valued at INR 9 crore. Subsequently, it was revealed that Ramesh had allegedly used Bitcoins to purchase drugs on the dark web. Further investigations uncovered that he had also hacked the Karnataka government’s e-procurement site and embezzled over INR 11.5 crore.
The revelation of the Bitcoin scam has triggered a heated political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with the latter accusing the former state ministers of being involved in the fraudulent activities. As the probe progresses, it remains to be seen how far-reaching the implications of this Bitcoin scam will be and what further revelations will emerge.
