ED Raids Karnataka MLA's Sons in Crypto Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at approximately twelve premises across Karnataka on April 20, 2026, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The operation targets a cryptocurrency-linked money laundering syndicate involving Srikrishna Ramesh, alias Sriki. Key individuals implicated include Mohammed Haris Nalapad and Omar Farook Nalapad, sons of N.A. Haris, a Congress MLA from Bengaluru’s Shantinagar constituency and chairperson of the Bangalore Development Authority. The ED alleges that the brothers are close associates of Sriki and primary beneficiaries of illicit proceeds. Additionally, premises linked to Aqeeb Khan, grandson of former Union Minister K. Rahman Khan, were searched, with allegations identifying him as a direct beneficiary. The investigation stems from multiple FIRs filed by Karnataka Police regarding cybercrimes, including website hacking, Bitcoin theft, extortion, and narcotics violations. Authorities describe a sophisticated modus operandi where accused parties hacked digital wallets, stole virtual assets, and laundered funds through layered bank transactions to obscure their origins. The ED continues its probe into these financial irregularities and cybercriminal activities.