ED issues 2nd summons to Youth Congress leader Nalapad in Karnataka bitcoin scam
Synopsis
The ED has now issued a second summons to Youth Congress leader Mohammed Nalapad in the Karnataka bitcoin scam — after he skipped the first one citing political commitments. With alleged kingpin Sriki already in custody and raids already conducted at Nalapad's premises, the agency is reportedly a step away from custodial interrogation. The timing is particularly damaging: his father, MLA N.A. Harris, is reportedly in the running for a Karnataka cabinet berth.
Key Takeaways
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a second summons to Youth Congress leader Mohammed Nalapad on 1 June in the Karnataka bitcoin scam and money laundering case.
Nalapad had skipped the first summons, reportedly citing political commitments.
Alleged bitcoin scam kingpin Srikrishna Ramesh alias 'Sriki' is already in ED custody; investigators reportedly gathered key information about Nalapad's alleged links during questioning.
ED conducted raids over three consecutive days at Nalapad's residences and offices, seizing digital evidence and documents.
Nalapad's father, MLA N.A.
Harris of Shantinagar , is reportedly a cabinet aspirant — a prospect the ED scrutiny may jeopardise.
The Karnataka bitcoin scam first came to light in 2021 and remains one of the state's most closely watched financial crime investigations.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a second summons to Youth Congress leader Mohammed Nalapad, son of Karnataka MLA N.A. Harris, in connection with the multi-crore Karnataka bitcoin scam and an alleged money laundering case, officials said on Monday, 1 June. Nalapad has been directed to appear for questioning after he failed to attend the first round of interrogation, reportedly citing political commitments.
Why the Second Summons Was Issued
According to officials, Nalapad skipped the initial ED summons, citing political engagements. The agency subsequently issued a fresh directive requiring his appearance on 1 June. The development follows extensive questioning of the alleged bitcoin scam kingpin, Srikrishna Ramesh, popularly known as 'Sriki', who is currently in ED custody. Investigators reportedly gathered crucial information regarding Nalapad's alleged links to Sriki during that interrogation.
Allegations Against Nalapad
Investigators suspect that Nalapad maintained regular contact with Sriki and allegedly facilitated his activities by arranging accommodation for him in luxury hotels, according to sources. These allegations are under active scrutiny as part of the agency's ongoing money laundering investigation. Sources further indicate that if concrete evidence of financial transactions between Nalapad and Sriki is established, the ED may consider further legal action, including possible custodial interrogation.
Raids and Evidence Seized
Prior to the summons, ED officials conducted coordinated searches across three consecutive days at the residences and offices of Nalapad, senior leader Rahim Khan, and others. During the raids, investigators reportedly seized digital evidence and documents believed to be relevant to the money laundering case. Searches were also carried out at premises linked to MLA N.A. Harris, following allegations that Sriki enjoyed the patronage of influential political figures' associates.
Political Stakes for MLA N.A. Harris
N.A. Harris, the sitting MLA from Shantinagar Assembly constituency, is reportedly among the aspirants for a cabinet berth in Karnataka. The ED's renewed scrutiny of his son could prove to be a significant setback to those prospects, analysts note. This comes amid broader political controversy surrounding the bitcoin scam, which has drawn attention to alleged links between Sriki and influential individuals across political and business circles.
Background: The Karnataka Bitcoin Scam
The Karnataka bitcoin scam came to light in 2021, centring on hacker and alleged cybercriminal Srikrishna Ramesh alias 'Sriki'. The case became politically contentious after allegations surfaced that influential individuals — including politicians, businessmen, and their associates — had links with Sriki. It subsequently expanded into investigations involving alleged cybercrime proceeds, cryptocurrency transactions, and money laundering, drawing in multiple law enforcement agencies. The case remains one of Karnataka's most closely watched financial crime investigations. With the ED now pressing for Nalapad's appearance, the political and legal dimensions of the case are set to intensify.
Point of View
The investigation has moved well past the preliminary stage. The political timing is sharp: N.A. Harris's cabinet ambitions now carry the weight of his son's legal exposure. What is missing from public view is any independent corroboration of the financial transaction allegations — the ED's case, as reported, rests heavily on Sriki's custodial statements, which carry inherent evidentiary limitations. If those transactions cannot be independently verified, the legal case could be harder to prosecute than the political optics suggest.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the ED issued a second summons to Mohammed Nalapad?
The ED issued a second summons to Mohammed Nalapad because he failed to appear for the first round of questioning, reportedly citing political commitments. The agency has directed him to appear for interrogation in connection with the Karnataka bitcoin scam and an alleged money laundering case.
What is Mohammed Nalapad's alleged connection to the Karnataka bitcoin scam?
Investigators allege that Nalapad maintained regular contact with alleged bitcoin scam kingpin Srikrishna Ramesh alias 'Sriki' and reportedly facilitated his activities by arranging luxury hotel accommodation for him. These allegations are under scrutiny as part of the ED's ongoing money laundering investigation.
What is the Karnataka bitcoin scam?
The Karnataka bitcoin scam came to light in 2021, centring on hacker and alleged cybercriminal Srikrishna Ramesh alias 'Sriki'. The case expanded to cover alleged cybercrime proceeds, cryptocurrency transactions, and money laundering, and has drawn scrutiny due to alleged links with influential political and business figures.
How does this affect MLA N.A. Harris?
N.A. Harris, the MLA from Shantinagar Assembly constituency and Nalapad's father, is reportedly among the aspirants for a cabinet berth in Karnataka. The ED's renewed focus on his son is seen as a potential setback to those political prospects.
What could happen next if evidence of financial transactions is found?
According to sources, if investigators establish concrete evidence of financial transactions between Nalapad and Sriki, the ED may consider further legal action, including possible custodial interrogation. The agency has already seized digital evidence and documents during raids conducted over three consecutive days.
