Karnataka Rocked by Rs 378 Crore Crypto Heist Former Employee’s Laptop Linked to the Biggest Cyber Theft.
India crypto economy, a massive Rs 378 crore (approximately $45.5 million USD) has been stolen in what is being dubbed Karnataka’s biggest ever crypto heist. The audacious cyberattack targeted Bengaluru based Neblio Technologies, with investigators tracing the breach to a laptop previously used by a former part-time employee, who is now in police custody.
The shocking revelation points to an alleged insider connection, as authorities confirm that the elaborate cyber theft was reportedly orchestrated through a device once belonging to an ex-staff member. The former part-time employee, whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed, was apprehended recently and is currently undergoing intensive interrogation as part of the ongoing probe.
This unprecedented incident marks the largest crypto-related theft in Karnataka’s history and stands as one of the most significant cyber crimes ever reported in the state. The breach, affecting the sophisticated systems of Neblio Technologies, was reportedly facilitated via vulnerabilities stemming from the compromised laptop, allowing hackers to gain unauthorized access to vast sums of digital assets.
A major multi-agency probe has been launched to unravel the full scope of the conspiracy. Cybercrime units, financial intelligence experts, and local law enforcement are working in tandem, with their primary objective being to trace the complex digital trail of the stolen cryptocurrency and facilitate its recovery. Recovering such a vast sum of digital assets, often moved through obfuscated blockchain transactions and various exchanges, presents a formidable challenge for investigators.
The heist sends a chilling warning across the burgeoning cryptocurrency sector in India, highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity protocols and stringent access controls, especially concerning former employees and their access credentials. Bengaluru, often hailed as India’s Silicon Valley, has seen a rapid expansion of fintech and blockchain companies, making it a prime target for increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals.
As the investigation deepens, authorities are working tirelessly to identify all involved parties and bring them to justice, while Neblio Technologies faces the daunting task of recouping its significant losses and restoring confidence in its security infrastructure. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers in the digital financial landscape.
