Bitcoin case: Court issues non-bailable warrant against former BJP MLA

A special court in Ahmedabad on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant against former Gujarat MLA Nalin Kotadiya, who is allegedly involved in a multi-crore bitcoin case.

This follows a representation by the CID Crime that is investigating the case.

DGP of CID Crime Ashish Bhatia said that if needed Kotadiya would also be declared an absconder and his property could also be attached.

Kotadiya is missing and he has also left his cell phone back home to avoid getting tracked by the police and other agencies.

The CID Crime is investigating a case based on a complaint lodged by Surat-based builder Shailesh Bhatt. The builder in his complaint had said that he was abducted as part of a conspiracy to “takeover” his 180 bitcoins. These bitcoins are worth over Rs 10 crore.

During investigation, the police found that the money trail led to the MLA. One of the main accused, Kirit Paladia, who was also a former business partner of Bhatt, had reportedly encashed over 30 bitcoins and some money was also given to Amreli Police.

The police has already arrested Amreli SP Jagdish Patel in connection with the case. He has since been suspended.

Police officials feel that this could be just tip of the iceberg of bitcoin transactions.

It is believed that Kotadiya might have moved out of Gujarat.