Bitcoin scam: Sriki linked to $59 million Zaif exchange hack, held Panama secret data

This is the second story in the series of stories which the blrpost.com is brining out based on chargesheet filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT)

Bengaluru

Srikrishna Ramesh alias Sriki, accused in the multi-crore Bitcoin scam, was part of the $59 million Zaif hack that occurred in 2018. His exploits also include the CCI Panama website, reveals the chargesheet submitted to the court by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The chargesheet shows that he hacked 35 different websites and cryptocurrency exchanges in the last 10 years. Sources in the SIT said he hacked into the Japanese crypto exchange Zaif, which was taken over by Fisco Digital Asset Group (Fcce.jp), while staying in the Himalayas.

The Japan-based Zaif was hacked in 2018, and $59.67 million was stolen, according to a CNBC report. In 2019, Zaif was taken over by Fcce.jp. However, the chargesheet in Crime Number 153/2020 (Cottonpete Police Station), filed by the SIT, does not reveal more details about what happened to the stolen currency.

Modus

The hack was performed by Sriki from the Himalayas. The chargesheet shows that Sriki had lived in five-star hotels and opulent resorts in many parts of India. The modus operandi of Sriki, according to the chargesheet, was hacking and spending the money on a lavish lifestyle. The chargesheet fails to capture the actual modus operandi of hacking and instead focuses on his lifestyle.

Sriki began hacking various trading apps along with his friend Shane during his SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) days. He learned hacking techniques through various online platforms.

Bitfinex

The SIT has also found evidence to show that Sriki was part of the 2016 Bitfinex hack. The hackers stole 119,756 Bitcoins (BTC). As of late 2024, the United States of America (USA) government announced the recovery of $10 billion worth of assets. The stolen funds were laundered over several years through sophisticated methods, and a married couple, Ilya Lichtenstein and Heather Morgan, were arrested and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with the theft.

Panama data

The chargesheet reveals that Sriki had hacked into the CCI Panama website and possessed secret data. This was found in a device seized by the police. The hack occurred about ten years ago.

The website for CCI Panama (Cyber Cast International, S.A.), located at https://ccipanama.com/, is an online platform used to promote and provide offshore IT solutions, web hosting, and data center services.

The site serves to:

• Offer services: Provide information and options for shared web hosting, Virtual Private Servers (VPS), cloud servers, dedicated servers, and server colocation in their Panama City data center.
• Highlight key benefits: Emphasize the advantages of hosting in Panama, such as enhanced data privacy, robust data protection laws, freedom of speech advantages, and reliable infrastructure with low-latency connectivity.
• Provide technical support: Offer resources and information regarding their 24/7 technical support for customers.
• Manage domains: Allow users to register and manage domain names.
• Detail security measures: Outline the security features they implement, such as DDoS protection and perimeter firewalls.

Gaming sites

The chargesheet reveals that Sriki hacked into several card game sites. The sites that were hacked include Poker Baazi, Spartan Poker, Poker Saint, GG Poker, Poker Dangal, SWC Poker, Junglee Rummy, and others. The investigation found that he was helping his friends to see the cards of opposing players and win the bouts.

List of sites/crypto exchanges hacked

RuneScape
h4cky0u.org
Pupilpod.com
Net4India
CCI Panama Website
E-procurement
cmp.onlinesbi.com
BitClub Network
BitFinex
Bitcentral
Bitcointalk.org
Bitstamp
BTC-e.com
BTC2PM.me
SlushPool
MixExchange
MPEX
CoinEsl / coineel / coineal
Havelock / hawlock investment
Paytiz / paytz?
Bitstarz
Unocoin
PP Poker
Poker Baazi
Spartan Poker
Poker Saint
GG Poker
Poker Dangal
SWC Poker
hahapoker-horu.ggnet.com
Betmira
Sportsbet.io
Junglee Rummy
Rummy Circle
Fcce.jp exchange