Bengaluru: Twelve men were arrested on charges of robbing Rs 17 lakh in cash from a trader after promising him to convert it into cryptocurrency.The arrests were made based on the complaint filed by Vishwas Y, 31, resident of Kodigehalli. A techie, Vishwas wanted to open a hotel near Sira on Bengaluru-Pune Highway and for the same, purchased raw materials. “Vishwas found that buying China-manufactured materials like kitchen tiles and other equipment online was cheaper. However, he needed cryptocurrencies for that. Advised by a friend, Vishwas joined a WhatsApp group, Crypto India F2F, to get more information. A person identified as Muja, a group member, helped Vishwas by converting Rs 2.5 lakh into 2,538 cryptocurrencies,” an officer said.Since Vishwas was in need of more cryptocurrencies, he again contacted Muja. “This time, Vishwas wanted to convert Rs 17 lakh into cryptocurrencies. Muja asked Vishwas to meet him at a point on Kalpana Chawla Road around 10.30pm on June 9. Accompanied by his brother Chayapati, Vishwas reached the location. Muja was waiting. When Vishwas and Muja were talking, others came on two-wheelers. Led by Muja, they attacked Vishwas and Chayapati, snatched a bag containing Rs 17 lakh in cash and fled,” the officer said.The arrested are: 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. All are residents of DJ Halli and KG Halli. Of them, Suhaib and Ayan are from Kashmir, police said. They were college dropouts, doing odd jobs.
