Kerala synagogue arson case: Police probe foreign links, crypto payments

Investigators are examining whether the suspect received payments through cryptocurrency and whether the arson attack was part of a wider conspiracy.

Attack captured on mobile phone

According to preliminary investigations, Paul allegedly drove to the nursery in a blue car around 2.30am on Monday, poured petrol on the premises and set them on fire.

He reportedly recorded the incident on his mobile phone before fleeing.

The proximity of the nursery to a Jewish place of worship prompted Kochi City Police to treat the incident as a potential security threat.

Police launched an intensive investigation, although their initial efforts were hampered because CCTV cameras at several shops in Ernakulam Market were not functioning at night.

Investigators examined footage from surrounding areas and collected information from approximately 150 people.

With assistance from the police cyber wing, officers managed to trace the blue car despite initially being unable to establish its registration number.

The investigation eventually led officers to a rented house in Puthencruz, where Paul was arrested.

Earlier arson attack under investigation

Police are also examining Paul’s alleged involvement in a previous arson attack targeting a used car showroom in Muvattupuzha.