November 27, 2023

Image Credit: Bitcoin wisdom

ED Probes Global Firms in ₹6,606 Crore Bitcoin Ponzi Scheme

December 20, 2023

ED probes nine overseas firms, including those in Hong Kong and Estonia, linked to a bitcoin-based ponzi scheme run by Variable Tech.

Global Investigation

Image Credit: Pinterest

Variable Tech collected 80,000 bitcoins, diverting ₹6,606 crore through nine firms for overseas property purchases.

Ponzi Scheme Details

Image Credit:  Tech crunch

Entities include Amaze Mining, Green Ocean Overseas, Blue Wave Trading, Crypto Capital, ABC Mega Alliance DMCC, AB Holdings, AB Facilities, and Purple Rain Trading Company.

Firms Investigated

Image Credit: Blogspot

Investigation Background

Initiated in 2018 based on cases filed by Maharashtra and Delhi police. First chargesheet submitted in 2019.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Arrest and Seizure

Simpy Bhardwaj, a key accused, arrested. ED seizes assets, including luxury cars, documents, and jewelry worth ₹18.91 lakh. Main accused Ajay Bhardwaj remains at large.

Image Credit: Reddit

Accusations

Accused, including Simpy Bhardwaj, allegedly involved in generating, concealing, and layering proceeds of the bitcoin-based ponzi scheme.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Legal Proceedings

Simpy Bhardwaj produced before PMLA court, remanded in ED custody till December 26. Investigation leads to provisional attachment of properties worth ₹69 crore.

Image Credit: Pixabay