Hotel dream, crypto hunt, midnight ambush: Bengaluru techie’s business plan ends in Rs 17 lakh heist by WhatsApp contact

BENGALURU: City police have arrested 12 men for allegedly robbing a trader of Rs 17 lakh after luring him with the promise of converting the cash into cryptocurrency.The arrests were made following a complaint by Vishwas Y, 31, a resident of Kodigehalli.A techie, Vishwas was planning to open a hotel near Sira on the Bengaluru-Pune Highway and was looking to purchase kitchen equipment and other materials from China. During his research, he found that buying the items online was cheaper but required payment in cryptocurrency.Acting on a friend's suggestion, Vishwas joined a WhatsApp group called Crypto India F2F to learn more about cryptocurrency transactions.

There, he came into contact with a man identified as Muja, who allegedly helped him convert Rs 2.5 lakh into cryptocurrency.Encouraged by the successful transaction, Vishwas later approached Muja again to convert Rs 17 lakh into cryptocurrency.Police said Muja asked Vishwas to meet him on Kalpana Chawla Road at around 10.30 pm on June 9. Vishwas arrived at the location with his brother, Chayapati.While the two were speaking with Muja, a group of men arrived on two-wheelers.

The gang allegedly assaulted Vishwas and his brother, snatched a bag containing Rs 17 lakh in cash and fled.Following an investigation, police arrested 12 suspects: Kareem Khan (31), Waseem Khan (40), Mohammed Ismail (29), Rehan A (27), Suhaib Javid (20), Ayan M (21), Akheel Mohammed (26), Tausif (26), Liyaqath Sharif (33), Afzan Khan (27), Mujameel (23) and Imran Pasha (25).Most of the accused are residents of DJ Halli and KG Halli. Police said Suhaib and Ayan are natives of Kashmir. Investigators added that several of the accused were college dropouts and were engaged in odd jobs.Further investigation is underway.