The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the residences of two sons of Karnataka Congress MLA NA Haris, along with others, on Monday. These raids are part of a money laundering case involving cryptocurrencies. According to reports, the raid was conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

According to Amar Ujala sources, searches are being conducted at nearly a dozen locations in Bengaluru city, including those of the MLA's sons, Mohammed Haris Nalapad and Umar Farooq Nalapad. The agency also raided the premises of alleged crypto hacker Srikrishna Ramesh alias Sriki and his associates. NA Haris is a Congress MLA from Bengaluru's Shantinagar assembly constituency and is considered a prominent figure in state politics.

According to officials, this money laundering investigation is based on an FIR and chargesheet filed by the Karnataka Police. The case relates to the alleged hacking of national and international websites, the theft of Bitcoin, and other cyber crimes in 2017.

Investigating agencies allege that Srikrishna Ramesh, alias Sriki, and his associates amassed illegal wealth through hacking, which they then attempted to conceal or transfer through cryptocurrency.

According to ED sources, Mohammed Haris Nalapad and Umar Farooq are accused of being beneficiaries of the alleged criminal proceeds. Their premises are being searched based on this.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Police is investigating the Haris brothers in connection with this matter. Mohammed Haris Nalapad, who was once the President of the Karnataka Youth Congress, had stated that he and his brother have committed no mistake and have not accepted any illegal funds, as claimed by authorities.

NA Haris, whose complete name is 59-year-old Nalapad Ahmed Haris, is a four-time MLA from the Congress party. He has been serving as an MLA in the state legislature since 2008, representing the Shantinagar constituency. His connections with Karnataka Minister KJ George helped him advance politically. Srikrishna Ramesh was arrested by the state police as part of this investigation.

Congress leaders alleged in 2021 that he had hacked Bitcoins worth ₹10,000 crore and demanded an investigation into the possible involvement of the then-ruling BJP in Karnataka.