ED files chargesheet against hacker Sriki in crypto laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday filed a prosecution complaint, equivalent to a chargesheet, against five individuals and a private firm in connection with the laundering of funds obtained through hacking of cryptocurrency exchanges and gaming websites.
Those named in the complaint include Srikrishna Ramesh, also known as Sriki, his accountant Robin Khandelwal, close associate Sunish Hegde, a Bengaluru-based IT firm Infinzy Solutions, and two officials of the firm. The ED alleges that the firm facilitated the transfer of funds stolen from a poker site by the hacker.
Ramesh, Khandelwal, and Hegde were arrested on May 8 by the ED as part of its investigation into the laundering of stolen assets from crypto exchanges and gaming platforms. The prosecution complaint was filed by ED Public Prosecutor Madhu N Rao before the completion of 60 days of judicial custody, as required under law.
The case pertains to the alleged hacking of multiple cryptocurrency exchanges and online gaming sites, with the proceeds being laundered through a complex network of transactions. The ED's investigation aims to trace the flow of illicit funds and identify all entities involved in the money laundering operation.
The filing of the chargesheet marks a significant step in the probe, which is part of broader efforts by Indian enforcement agencies to crack down on cybercrime and money laundering in the digital asset space. The accused are expected to face trial under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
