Karnataka Bitcoin scam: CBI rubbishes rumours of FBI role in probe; Congress' lies exposed

Dismissing reports on contribution of US probe agency in Karnataka Bitcoin scam, on Sunday, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) clarified that it has been independently carrying out investigation and denied any involvement of US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) team in case at hand. Neir has American probe body consigned a team to India to conduct an examination of scam nor has it me any request to CBI to intervene in probe, CBI sources confirmed to Republic TV. 

'Reports are malafide and motivated': CBI 

"Reference is invited to reports in sections of Media that an FBI team has come to India to investigate a Bitcoin case by Karnataka police. This is to inform that FBI has not sent any team to India for conducting a probe into matter nor has any request been me by FBI to CBI for conducting an investigation in this case in India," CBI clarified in an official statement. 

"Accordingly, question of according any permission for probe by Competent Authority in India does not arise. CBI as National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India coordinates closely with international law enforcement agencies including FBI. reports are malafide and motivated,"  CBI ded.

In Karnataka Bitcoin scam, a section of media reported that a team of FBI arrived in India to probe matter; however, CBI has said that question of according any permission for probe by any authority in India 'does not arise'. 

Congress alleges FBI involvement, questions BJP govt at Centre & Karnataka

Congress, which is in opposition in Karnataka, on Saturday, suggested  FBI's involvement in scam. Party leer Priyank Kharge took to Twitter to share piece of misinformation. She shared, "I believe FBI is in Delhi to investigate billion-dollar Bitcoin Scam. Like I said before if state investigates matter diligently a lot of BJP’s skeletons will tumble out."

General Secretary of party, Randeep Singh Surjewala shared on Twitter, " layers of  Bitcoin Scam are finally being uneard! Let India’s Home Minister & CM Bommai answer- 1. Is FBI in India to investigate India’s biggest Bitcoin Scam Coverup under Karnataka BJP Govt? If so, release details of investigation & suspects, including political people?"

In fact, with little and incorrect information, Congress leers posed numerous questions to BJP-led Centre and state of Karnataka in a failed attempt to hold m accountable for shielding alleged FBI involvement.

"Why was Interpol not informed? Why did BJP Government wait for over five months up till 24th April 2021 to write to Interpol and that also after release of Sri Krishna on 17th April 2021?"   wrote on Twitter.

Subsequently, CBI snubbed all rumours on Sunday and implied that it is competent and authorised to conduct probe independently. 

Karnataka Bitcoin Scam

At a press conference in 2021, Sujrewala h alleged that scope of said scam could be bigger than estimated because, according to him, Bitcoin scam involved illegal transactions to tune of Rs 5,240 crore, in only two days on December 1, 2020, and 14 April 2021.

Questioning PM Modi and CM Bommai over ir role and absence, Congress leer accused BJP of playing politics on alleged scam after Karnataka CM asked parties in Opposition to submit documents to probe bodies.