A Ukrainian man reported a harrowing crypto theft to Thai authorities after he was coerced into transferring $250,000 worth of USDT during a violent robbery. This alarming incident, which took place on November 8, reflects a rising wave of crypto-related crimes, echoing recent warnings from blockchain investigator ZachXBT.
Details of the Crime: Crypto Theft in Thailand
Viacheslav Leibov, 23, was visiting a friend, Alfred Chernyshuk, at a hotel in Thailand when he was invited inside by an Armenian acquaintance, Arman Grigoryan. During the visit, Leibov was ambushed by masked men who demanded he transfer $500,000 worth of USDT, threatening to break his fingers. After negotiating, Leibov sent $250,000 to their crypto wallet. The attackers bound him and fled, leaving him to free himself and report the incident.
Rise in Global Crypto Theft
This incident mirrors a disturbing trend of crypto thefts, particularly violent home invasions. Recent cases include a $4.3 million crypto heist in Western Europe, where assailants posed as delivery workers to gain entry. ZachXBT has warned crypto traders to avoid publicly sharing information about their holdings, even with close acquaintances, to mitigate the risk of such attacks.
U.S. DOJ Crackdown on Violent Crypto Crimes
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has intensified efforts to prosecute crypto theft cases. In September 2024, the DOJ sentenced those involved in a $3.5 million crypto theft through SIM-swapping and home invasion tactics. Similarly, Eric Council, Jr., linked to a Bitcoin price manipulation scheme, was arrested for using the SEC’s official account to spread false information.
These cases underscore the ongoing risks posed by SIM swapping and other crypto-related crimes. Both crypto holders and authorities worldwide are urged to enhance security measures to prevent future attacks.
For more insights into crypto security and trends, visit CentBit.Online, your source for expert blockchain information in Bangladesh.
