Cryptocurrencies are a popular target for cybercriminals, who rely on their anonymity and lack of regulation. These crimes often target individuals online through hacking and ransomware. However, there have been some aggressive crimes in the past that have targeted unsuspecting individuals in person and in broad daylight. A Ukrainian tourist recently lost $250,000 worth of USDT in an armed robbery last November 8, Thai news agencies reported.
According to the police report, the Ukrainian citizen was He was attacked by two armed people. The tourist was forced to transfer $250,000 in USDT to the suspects before contacting Thai police.
Another coordinated cryptocurrency extortion operation in Thailand
Cryptocurrency holders are not only vulnerable to hacking and ransomware; They are also the target of armed robberies and physical extortion. Last November 10, Thai local news reported that a young Ukrainian tourist was assaulted and robbed of $250,000 worth USDT.
According to multiple reports, the robbery incident occurred last Friday, November 8, in Phuket, Thailand, but this incident did not involve local residents.
Ropes and tape were left at the crime scene in Phuket, Thailand. Source: Bangkok Post/Photo: Kamala police station.
Local reports indicate that Vyacheslav Lipov, a 23-year-old Ukrainian national, was involved in a planned extortion attempt. Based on the published police report, Lipov was invited by his friend Alfred Chernychuk, an 18-year-old Ukrainian national, to check out his room.
When Lipov arrived, he was met by Arman Gregorian, a 21-year-old Armenian national. Then, the two masked people attacked LeBoeuf.
The police report also indicated that both attackers used a knife and a hammer and threatened Leboeuf with harm if he did not transfer $250,000 in US dollars to the wallet.
For his safety, Leboeuf obligated and transferred the aforementioned amount. LeBeouf was tied to the bed and told not to report the incident to the authorities. Despite the attackers’ warnings, Leboux managed to escape and notify the authorities.
Cryptocurrency extortion is now a serious concern
Meanwhile, cybercrimes like hacking and ransomware are nothing new. In addition to these cybercrimes, cryptocurrency holders face fraud and extortion in countries like Thailand. Leboeuf’s latest blackmail experience is not the first in this Southeast Asian country.
In November, Thai authorities arrested a group of individuals linked to a US$10 million extortion scheme. According to reports, seven suspects were involved, including six Rogue police officersWhich distorted the credibility of the Thai police.
Cryptocurrency holders now face security risks on all fronts
Traditionally, cryptocurrency holders and traders face the most significant security threats when doing business online. According to one estimate, cryptocurrency-related ransomware led to losses of more than $1 billion in 2023.
With these incidents reported in Thailand and other tourist destinations, it has become clear that currency holders are also facing issues when using their cold wallets.
Featured image from The Courier Mail, chart from TradingView
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