A Delhi court has recently made a significant decision regarding a man named Lakshay Vij. He is accused of defrauding a US citizen out of ₹3.39 crore. The fraud is alleged to have occurred through an online cryptocurrency scam.
Court’s Ruling
On Tuesday, Special Judge Shailender Malik granted bail to Vij. The judge stated that the accusations against him could not be seen as proven without strong supporting evidence. The court expressed that the charges against Vij lacked sufficient corroborative evidence. This raised doubts about the truth of the allegations.
Charge Details
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claims that Vij was part of a conspiracy. They say he induced a US citizen to transfer money via a cryptocurrency wallet. However, the evidence provided so far does not back up these claims. Judge Malik pointed out that allegations alone do not constitute proof. “Allegations by themselves cannot be considered as the gospel truth when not supported by any material or evidence,” he stated.
Arrest and Investigation
Vij was arrested on October 24, 2024. However, the judge noted that his name was not even mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR). This raised questions about why he was arrested while other co-accused individuals remained free. The judge criticized the investigation process, highlighting that it was unclear why only Vij faced arrest among others linked to the case.
Allegations Against Vij
The CBI’s accusations claim that Vij convinced the US citizen to transfer USD 400,000. This amount was converted to cryptocurrency and moved to various wallets controlled by the accused. They alleged that Vij provided instructions to others on how to carry out these transactions. However, the defense argues that these allegations rely heavily on statements from co-accused individuals. They labeled these statements as inadmissible evidence. Furthermore, they stated that WhatsApp chat logs used in the case lacked the forensic evidence needed to directly connect Vij to the crime.
Prosecution’s Challenge
The judge noted that although the allegations were serious, the prosecution did not provide enough material evidence to support their claims. “When the prosecution was called upon to show the material in support of those allegations, no material could be shown,” remarked Judge Malik. Without clear evidence, the court found it necessary to grant bail.
Bail Conditions
Vij was ordered to provide a personal bond of ₹1 lakh and one surety of the same amount. Despite the severity of the charges against him, the judge’s ruling reflects the legal principle that unproven allegations cannot justify detention.
Broader Implications
This case brings to light the complexities involved in prosecuting cryptocurrency-related crimes. The digital nature of these transactions often presents significant challenges in gathering and verifying evidence. These challenges are heightened by the involvement of multiple parties across various jurisdictions.
Defense Argument
Vij’s defense team argued that the prosecution depended on unverified WhatsApp conversations and witness statements. They claimed that this evidence was insufficient to uphold the charges. The case continues to unfold as the investigation into the broader conspiracy remains ongoing.
Legal Standards of Evidence
The court’s ruling raises important questions about the necessary evidence standards in cases that involve new technologies, such as cryptocurrency. It highlights the need for careful scrutiny of how digital evidence is gathered and handled in criminal investigations. The complexities of digital transactions necessitate an evolution in legal standards and procedures.
