The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a case in the Maharashtra Bitcoin scam involving the alleged illegal collection of 80,000 Bitcoins. The investigation focuses on fraud accusations and their potential political connections.
Fraud Allegations and Participants
The accused include Amit Bhardwaj, his brother Ajay Bhardwaj, and four others, accused of running a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme to defraud investors with promises of 10% monthly returns. The funds were reportedly funneled through nine foreign firms for purchasing properties overseas.
Investigation Progress and Raids
Amit Bhardwaj, a key figure, has passed away, while Ajay Bhardwaj remains on the run, with multiple agencies searching for him. The CBI also summoned Gaurav Mehta for questioning, following raids by enforcement officials at Mehta’s premises in Raipur under the suspicion of possible money laundering activities.
Political Implications
The case has garnered political attention as well. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused NCP MP Supriya Sule and Congress leader Nana Patole of using Bitcoin to fund Maharashtra’s Assembly elections. An audio recording has surfaced with an alleged voice of Sule, but she denies the allegations.
The CBI and other agencies continue to investigate the matter, which could have broader implications for both politics and financial regulations.
