Indian police probe whether crypto paid a man to film arson attacks near a Kochi synagogue

Indian police are investigating whether cryptocurrency was used to pay a 32-year-old man arrested for setting fire to a nursery next to the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi, Kerala, on October 12. Investigators say his phone held footage of the fire and messages with unidentified contacts, including an alleged handler he called “Boss,” but they have not confirmed any foreign links or how any payment was made.

Kochi synagogue arson leads to investigation of crypto payments

According to the police account reported by India TV News, Paul allegedly arrived near Blossom Nursery on Market Road, close to the Paradesi Synagogue, at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Monday. He is accused of pouring petrol on the nursery’s outer premises and setting the area on fire before leaving the scene.

The incident was captured by CCTV cameras, providing investigators with footage to examine as they worked to identify the person responsible.

Given the sensitivity of an arson attack near a Jewish place of worship, Kochi Police initiated a detailed investigation under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Arun K Pavithran.

Officers reviewed CCTV recordings from the surrounding market and nearby locations and gathered information from approximately 150 people. Their investigation led them to a rented residence in the Puthencruz area, where Paul was reportedly found hiding and subsequently taken into custody.

A preliminary examination of his mobile phone reportedly revealed videos of the fire alongside conversations with individuals and online groups suspected of having foreign connections.

According to the police account, Paul allegedly received instructions to target specific locations, record the incidents and send the footage to an unidentified handler in exchange for payment.

Investigators are examining whether crypto payments formed part of this alleged arrangement. If verified, the financial records could help establish how the suspect communicated with the individuals involved, whether he received compensation and whether other people participated in the operation.

However, the available information does not establish that cryptocurrency was definitively used to finance the attack. Police are still working to verify the alleged communications and trace any suspected transactions.

The distinction is important because the discovery of cryptocurrency-related evidence, if confirmed, would not by itself establish who financed the alleged offence or whether the funds originated from a foreign organisation.

Messages reference Jewish sites and possible attacks

Beyond the immediate arson incident, investigators are examining messages that reportedly refer to Jewish places of worship and potential attacks in different cities across India.

According to the initial findings described in the report, some conversations recovered from Paul’s phone appear to indicate that the alleged instructions extended beyond a single location.

Police are now working to establish the authenticity of the messages, determine their intended meaning and identify the individuals behind the accounts involved in the communications.

The suspected foreign connections remain unconfirmed. Investigators have not publicly established the identities of the alleged handler or other individuals who may have communicated with Paul.

Authorities are also examining whether the references to potential targets represent an organised plan or whether the messages have another explanation. Establishing the context of the communications will be central to determining whether the arson was an isolated criminal act or part of a broader conspiracy.

The investigation into the suspected crypto payments could provide another avenue for identifying those involved. Where relevant transaction records are available, investigators may be able to examine wallet addresses, transfer histories and links between suspected accounts.

Nevertheless, the report does not identify any specific cryptocurrency, wallet address, transaction amount or exchange allegedly used in connection with the incident.

Police have also not confirmed that the suspected network was directed by a particular organisation or government. The alleged international dimension remains an investigative lead rather than an established finding.

Central agencies are examining information concerning the suspected foreign connections as the investigation expands. Their involvement adds to the authorities’ efforts to determine whether the case has implications beyond the immediate jurisdiction of Kochi Police.

Investigators examine earlier arson and suspected drug transactions

The Kochi investigation has also uncovered a possible connection between Paul and an earlier arson incident in Muvattupuzha.

Investigators reportedly compared footage from the two incidents and recovered videos from Paul’s phone that they suspect may be connected to the earlier case.

According to the report, Paul admitted during questioning to an alleged role in the Muvattupuzha incident. Police are continuing to investigate the suspected connection and have not disclosed enough information to establish the full circumstances of the earlier case.

Officers also reportedly recovered suspicious conversations relating to drug transactions from his digital device. The information has been shared with Ernakulam Rural Police for further investigation.

The potential overlap between the arson allegations, suspected foreign communications and drug-related conversations has widened the scope of the inquiry. Investigators are working to determine whether these matters are connected or represent separate offences.

A Special Investigation Team has been constituted under the supervision of DCP Arun K Pavithran and led by Ernakulam Central Inspector Aneesh Joy.

The team includes officers from Ernakulam Central Police Station, the cyber unit and the special cell. Its responsibilities include examining digital evidence, verifying communications, investigating financial transactions and determining whether Paul had links to other offences.

The investigation into crypto payments remains one component of this broader effort to establish the motive behind the arson and identify any individuals who may have directed or financed the alleged activity.