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As of May 12, 2026, Indian security agencies are examining whether an October arson outside a synagogue in Kerala's Ernakulam was directed from abroad, with investigators probing cryptocurrency payments and foreign-linked messages found on the arrested man's phone.
Kochi City Police are treating the October 12 incident as more than a routine crime. Ebin Paul, a 32-year-old native of Puthencruz, was arrested within hours of the fire at Blossom Nursery, which sits near the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam Market. Since then, the focus has shifted from a lone act to a possible international terror conspiracy.
Investigators say his mobile phone contained messages referring to Jewish places of worship and possible attacks in different Indian cities. The device also showed communications with people who have foreign links. That combination has prompted central agencies to examine whether the arson was part of a wider plot.
According to preliminary findings, Paul may have been taking orders from someone he identified as his boss. Police believe he was given specific targets, asked to carry out attacks, and then expected to send recorded video footage as proof. The apparent reward was payment routed through cryptocurrency.
Investigators are now tracing digital wallets and transaction trails to determine whether money was moved for the specific purpose of funding or rewarding the operation. No official confirmation has been made about the amount or the origin of any crypto payment.
The arson happened around 2:30 a.m. Paul allegedly arrived in a blue car, poured petrol inside Blossom Nursery, and set the premises on fire. He then filmed the act with his mobile phone before driving away, according to police findings.
The nursery was next door to the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue, although the fire does not appear to have reached the synagogue building itself. The location was still treated as a security-sensitive site because of its religious and historical importance. Kadavumbhagam is one of the old Jewish houses of worship in Kerala's Ernakulam district, an area once known for its vibrant Jewish community.
One early hurdle was the lack of working surveillance cameras. Police found that most shop cameras in the market were not active at night. Investigators nevertheless gathered available footage from the market and surrounding roads, and interviewed around 150 people to piece together what had happened.
The cyber wing helped trace the blue car even though its registration number was not clearly captured. The trail eventually led to a rented house in Puthencruz, where Paul was taken into custody.
The probe expanded quickly. Paul has been connected to an earlier arson case involving a used car showroom in Muvattupuzha. Police said he admitted to his role in that incident during questioning.
His digital devices also reportedly contained suspicious messages linked to drug transactions. That material has been handed over to Ernakulam Rural Police for a separate investigation, suggesting the case may have connections beyond the terror angle.
Security analysts who monitor such cases say the apparent blend of foreign contacts, cryptocurrency payments and instructions to film attacks matches a pattern seen in remotely directed plots. One former counterterrorism official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said crypto payments alone do not prove a terrorist conspiracy, but they do make financial investigations harder and point to a level of operational caution.
Experts also note that references to multiple cities and a specific religious target elevate the case from simple vandalism to a potential national security matter. The involvement of central agencies reinforces that view.
Kerala Police have not publicly described the case as an act of terror. No formal announcement has been made about invoking stringent anti-terror laws. Investigators are continuing to examine the suspect's messages, financial data and personal background. His mental condition is also being evaluated as part of the probe.
Officials have not said whether other suspects have been identified. A clearer picture is expected as forensic reports on the phone and digital transactions are completed.
The Kochi City Police remain the lead agency, but coordination with central agencies has intensified. The case is being watched closely because of its sensitive religious dimension and the possibility of international involvement.
This is a developing story, and authorities have yet to release the full set of evidence gathered so far.
