Mumbai: The special PMLA court has refused to grant discharge to a Pune-based couple booked for money laundering.

The couple, Hemant Bhope and his wife Lata, had been accused in connection with the country's biggest bitcoin-based ponzi scam valued at Rs 6,606 crore involving Delhi-based company Variabletech Pvt Ltd (VTPL). The two, however, have moved a plea for discharge.

While seeking discharge, Lata claimed that she conducted bitcoin-related transactions through her account without her knowledge. Hemant, on the other hand, claimed that he has not cheated anyone and is, in fact, a victim himself.

The prosecution alleged that he not only invested in the scheme but also encouraged others to invest in the firm's schemes. The court rejected the discharge plea of the couple in two separate orders. While rejecting Lata's plea the court ruled that lack of awareness cannot be an excuse to evade responsibility.

While rejecting Hemant's discharge, the court observed, “The accused who entered into the conspiracy with the others and has lured the investors for purchasing bitcoin, and has also received a certain amount from the investors from helping them in investing for the bitcoins.”