Aligarh: Police have arrested an Aligarh Muslim University clerk accused of running a crypto-linked extortion racket by using the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to threaten prominent people in the city. The accused, identified as Hasmat Hussain, allegedly sent threat letters through speed post with Bitcoin QR codes and blockchain wallet details, demanding nearly ₹2 crore from multiple victims.
Crypto Losses Led To Extortion Plan
According to police, Hussain, a resident of Sir Syed Nagar, was involved in cryptocurrency and Bitcoin trading and had reportedly suffered losses of nearly ₹80 lakh. Investigators allege that he planned the extortion racket to recover those losses by creating fear among wealthy individuals.
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Instead of using bank accounts, the accused allegedly relied on Bitcoin QR codes and blockchain wallet details to seek payments. Police said this method was intended to make the money trail harder to trace.
Among those targeted were a jewellery trader, Dinesh Jewellers, from whom $60,000 was allegedly demanded, and Dr. Aamir Qamar, who runs an ultrasound centre on Medical Road, from whom $22,000 was sought. At least eight other prominent individuals in Aligarh reportedly received similar threat letters.
Threat Letters Sent From Delhi GPO
Police said the letters were sent through the General Post Office in Connaught Place, Delhi. The contents were written in a threatening tone and claimed that the sender’s associates were active across Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Punjab.
Investigators said the accused warned victims against approaching police and claimed they were being monitored round the clock. In one letter, he allegedly instructed a victim to leave a white cloth outside the house after transferring money as a sign that the payment had been made.
Following complaints, a team from Civil Lines Police Station and the Criminal Intelligence Wing examined CCTV footage from the Connaught Place GPO. The footage showed a suspicious man wearing a white and blue T-shirt and carrying a leather bag while posting letters. Police said the man later removed his mask nearby, revealing his face.
Evidence Recovered After Arrest
Investigators identified the suspect as Hasmat Hussain and traced him to the Civil Lines area of Aligarh, where he was arrested. Police recovered the white and blue T-shirt allegedly worn during the offence, a leather bag used to carry the letters and a fake Aadhaar card allegedly used to conceal his identity.
Officials said the accused has a prior criminal history, with at least six cases registered against him involving extortion and criminal intimidation. Police have announced a reward of ₹25,000 for the team that solved the case.
Authorities are now investigating whether Hussain had links to any larger cyber or extortion network using cryptocurrency channels. The case has highlighted the growing use of digital assets such as Bitcoin in intimidation and extortion schemes.
