NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday lodged an FIR in the alleged Maharashtra Bitcoin scam, news agency ANI reported quoting sources.
The central agency booked Amit Bhardwaj, Ajay Bhardwaj and four others for allegedly collecting 80,000 Bitcoins and diverting the funds worth Rs 6,606 crore through nine overseas firms to purchase properties abroad. The agency also summoned Gaurav Mehta to join the investigation.
This comes hours after the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the Raipur premises of Gaurav Mehta in connection with the Bitcoin transactions case. The investigation is part of a broader money laundering probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Earlier on Tuesday, the Bharatiya Janata Party accused NCP MP Supriya Sule and Congress leader Nana Patole of using Bitcoins to fund the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BJP also released a purported audio recording claiming to be Sule’s voice, which she has denied.
According to ED sources, Mehta is accused of collecting funds worth 6,600 crore in Bitcoin as far back as 2017, luring investors with promises of 10% monthly returns. The investigation stems from police complaints filed in Maharashtra and Delhi.
Officials believe Mehta’s activities may be tied to larger financial operations potentially influencing the election process. The ED is expected to intensify its probe into the alleged misuse of cryptocurrencies.