Fake Robbery, Crypto Scam, and a ₹2 Crore Con: 15 Arrested Including Mastermind in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: In a major breakthrough, the Vidyaranyapura police in Bengaluru have arrested 15 individuals, including the mastermind, for orchestrating a fake robbery involving ₹2 crore, under the pretext of converting cash into digital currency.
The case began when one Sriharsha, posing as a victim, filed a false police complaint claiming that ₹2 crore in cash was robbed from him by unidentified men. However, investigations revealed that the entire episode was staged, and Sriharsha himself was the main conspirator behind the crypto fraud and robbery setup.
According to police, Sriharsha convinced an electrical businessman from Chickpet to hand over ₹2 crore, promising to convert the money into digital currency and double the amount via RTGS transactions. On June 25, the alleged fake robbery took place near an outlet in M.S. Palya, Vidyaranyapura, as per a premeditated plan.
Further investigation uncovered that Sriharsha, along with his accomplices — including Rakshit, Chandrashekar, Rakesh, and Benjamin — fabricated the robbery scene to deceive both the victim and law enforcement.
Police have seized over ₹1.11 crore in cash, 4 cars, 4 two-wheelers, 2 auto-rickshaws, 8 mobile phones, and a long machete used in the act. Efforts are underway to nab four more accused who are absconding.
The Vidyaranyapura police said that the accused had meticulously plotted the operation to make the robbery appear genuine. However, through sustained investigation and surveillance, they were able to crack the case and uncover the deep-rooted conspiracy.
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