The Congress government in Karnataka has announced its intention to thoroughly investigate the Bitcoin scam that took place during the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s tenure. Home Minister Dr Parameshwara has hinted at the possibility of handing over the case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing reporters in Hassan, affirmed the government’s commitment to probe all irregularities and scams that occurred under the BJP government, including the Bitcoin scam. Parameshwara accused the BJP of attempting to bury the matter, emphasizing that the Congress government will ensure a thorough investigation takes place.
“In regards to Bitcoin, I have stated that the incident will be investigated in its entirety. The previous government closed the case for reasons unknown. When we were in the opposition, we had pledged to investigate the matter if we came into power. We will take all necessary steps to reinvestigate,” stated Parameshwara during the press briefing.
Parameshwara further revealed that the Bengaluru Police Commissioner has written to the Director General of Police, recommending that the case be handed over to the CID for investigation. He added that a decision regarding the investigating agency, whether CID or another, will be made after thorough discussions. Praising the restructured CID, which now consists of senior officers and a new team, Parameshwara asserted that it would be well-equipped to handle the case.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police B Dayananda expressed suspicions that the Bitcoin scam involved a network operating at both national and international levels. Recognizing the utilization of sophisticated technological methods, Dayananda disclosed that they have written to the Director General of Police, urging for a high-level investigation by an expert agency.
According to Dayananda, initial stages of the investigation have already taken place, but further probes are necessary to trace additional networks involved in the meticulously executed hacking. He also mentioned that the hackers had targeted the government’s e-procurement portal, indicating the need for a comprehensive and organized investigation.
The alleged mastermind behind the Bitcoin scam, Srikrishna alias Sriki, was arrested after attracting attention due to his extravagant lifestyle. It was reported that Sriki and his team frequented luxury hotels and indulged in fine dining and drinking.
Associates of Sriki claim that he hacked into poker websites and the bitcoin trading platform. The Congress government now contends that the case was not properly investigated during the previous regime.
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