Exclusive: 5 years after ECIR, ED raid on hacker Sriki’s residence yields no major findings

Bengaluru

Nearly five years after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), the central agency conducted extensive searches at the residence of international hacker Srikrishna Ramesh, also known as Sriki, but reportedly found no significant incriminating material. The ED simultaneously carried out raids at 14 locations linked to Karnataka Youth Congress leader Mohammad Harris Nalapad, his brother, Omar Farook Nalapad and others.

The ECIR was originally registered in 2021 in connection with alleged money laundering linked to the hacking of a poker website. Acting on this case, ED officials conducted searches at multiple locations, including Sriki’s residence in Jayanagar, beginning Monday morning (April 20, 2026). The operation reportedly continued for nearly 21 to 25 hours, indicating the scale and intensity of the probe.

Sources familiar with the developments told blrpost.com that ED officials seized a laptop and a mobile phone from Sriki’s residence. During the course of the search, investigators are said to have posed more than 500 questions, primarily focusing on Sriki’s alleged links with Nalapad, Omar, Nafi, and others connected to the case.

According to sources, the agency did not recover any cryptocurrency assets from the seized electronic devices, nor was any cash reportedly found at Sriki’s residence. The search process was described as meticulous, with officials thoroughly examining the contents of the laptop and mobile phone. As of now, the ED has not issued an official press statement regarding the outcome of the raids.

Sources further indicated that, at this stage, the ED has not uncovered substantial evidence pointing to money laundering. However, the agency is expected to carry out detailed forensic analysis of the seized devices to determine if any digital evidence emerges. Investigators also reportedly questioned Nalapad, his brother Omar, and other individuals linked to the case.

Following the raids, Mohammad Harris Nalapad addressed the media, asserting that the ED had failed to find any incriminating material at his residence. He acknowledged that electronic devices, including mobile phones, were seized but dismissed reports suggesting that ₹37 lakh in cash had been recovered as “completely false.”

Nalapad further alleged that the raids were politically motivated and intended to target his father, Shantinagar MLA N. A. Harris. He claimed that the timing of the operation coincided with a period when his father was being considered for a cabinet position, suggesting a deliberate attempt to exert pressure.

Maintaining a defiant stance, Nalapad stated that he was not intimidated by the ED’s actions and was prepared to fully cooperate with the investigation while facing any legal proceedings that may arise.