A Ukrainian man fell victim to a cryptocurrency robbery worth $250,000 USDT after being attacked and forced to transfer a significant amount under the threat of violence.
Details of the Incident
According to a report from the Bangkok Post, 23-year-old Viacheslav Leibov was invited to a hotel room by his 18-year-old Ukrainian friend, Alfred Chernyshuk. Upon entering, Leibov met an Armenian man named Arman Grigoryan, who asked him to step out onto the balcony for a conversation.
The robbery took place when Leibov decided to use the restroom, where he was confronted by two masked men. They tied him up with ropes and zip ties, demanding he transfer 500,000 USDT to their wallet, threatening physical harm. Leibov managed to negotiate the amount down to half and transferred 250,000 USDT.
Perpetrators Escape, Victim Alerts Hotel Staff
After the transfer, Leibov was bound to the bed and warned not to report the incident. However, he freed himself and informed hotel staff. The room was registered under the names Chernyshuk and Grigoryan. Leibov attempted to locate his attackers at the airport but was unsuccessful and later reported the incident to the police.
Increase in Cryptocurrency Robberies
This incident is one of several recent cryptocurrency robberies in Thailand. Recently, Rooch Network co-founder Haichao Zhu was robbed by two attackers in Bangkok shortly before the Ethereum Devcon conference.
Similar cases have occurred in other countries. In Canada, cryptocurrency entrepreneur Dean Skurka, CEO of Toronto-based WonderFi Technologies, was recently kidnapped and held for a ransom of 1 million CAD.

#CryptoSecurity , #cybercrime , #Digitalasset , #cryptocrime , #CryptoNewss

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Phishing Attacks in October Cost Thousands of Victims $20 Million
ScamSniffer reported that in October 2024, more than 12,000 victims lost $20.2 million due to cryptophishing attacks. This represents a 56% decrease in the amount stolen compared to the previous month, but at the same time, the number of victims rose by 20%.
Declining Trend in Phishing Losses Throughout 2024
Despite the slight drop, the volume of funds lost to phishing in October is one of the lowest in 2024, with only July seeing less theft, when $19 million was lost. According to ScamSniffer, Ethereum remains the primary target for these scams, with over $10.4 million stolen from the network. Other affected networks include Blast ($5.9 million), Arbitrum ($1.84 million), Avalanche ($762,763), and Polygon ($722,083).

Largest Loss of the Month: User Loses $6 Million
The largest phishing theft in October involved a user holding 15,079 fwDETH tokens on the Blast network, initially valued at $35 million. However, due to low liquidity, the token value dropped to $5.87 million, limiting the attacker's profits. The sale of DETH tokens also impacted PAC Finance and Orbit Finance protocols.
Other Major Attacks Include Thefts on Uniswap and Aave
Phishing signatures were responsible for additional thefts, including $2.3 million in sDAI on Aave Ethereum, $1 million in assets via Uniswap Permit2, and $1.6 million on Arbitrum. The compromise of the EigenLayer account on X led to one user losing $800,000 after clicking a phishing link.
Phishing Attacks Lead to Over $400 Million in Losses in 2024
While October’s stolen amount was lower, phishing attacks throughout 2024 have reached record highs. ScamSniffer notes that $295 million was stolen in 2023, while in the first half of 2024 alone, the total reached $314 million. The total phishing losses for 2024 now stand at $462 million, reflecting the growing activity of phishing scammers.
Phishing Becomes Lucrative Business with Increasing Sophistication
As security firms improve their technology, scammers adapt and enhance their techniques. Phishing-as-a-Service (DaaS) allows them to easily rent technical tools for scams. Some notorious services, like Inferno Drainer, even transferred their operations to other scammers. User carelessness, such as clicking on suspicious links, also contributes to the increasing number of phishing victims.

#Cryptoscam , #HackingAlert , #cryptocrime , #CryptoNewss , #phishingscam

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The Health Sector #cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3) in the United States has announced that at least one healthcare institution in the U.S. has been hit by the Trinity ransomware, a new threat targeting critical infrastructure.
The Threat of Trinity Ransomware and How It Works
A U.S. government agency issued a warning regarding the Trinity ransomware, which targets victims and extorts them for #CryptocurrencyPayments in exchange for not leaking sensitive data. This ransomware uses various attack methods, including phishing emails, malicious websites, and exploiting software vulnerabilities.
Once it infiltrates a system, the ransomware scans the victim's computer, collects sensitive information, and encrypts files using advanced encryption algorithms, rendering them unreadable. #hackers then leave a message in the computer informing the victim that their data has been encrypted and demanding a ransom in exchange for a decryption key.
Hackers’ Demands: 24-Hour Deadline for Payment
In the ransom note, victims are warned that they have only 24 hours to pay the ransom in cryptocurrency, or their data will be leaked or sold. HC3 noted that there are currently no available decryption tools for Trinity ransomware, leaving victims with few options for recovery.
"Victims have 24 hours to contact the cybercriminals, and if they fail to do so, the stolen data will be leaked or sold," HC3 reported. The ransomware primarily targets critical infrastructure, including healthcare providers.
Attacks on Healthcare Institutions
The Trinity ransomware has already affected seven organizations, with healthcare facilities being one of its primary targets. HC3 reported that at least one healthcare entity in the U.S. was recently impacted by this ransomware, raising concerns about cybersecurity in the healthcare sector.
Crypto Ransom Payments Reached $1 Billion in 2023
According to the Chainalysis 2024 #cryptocrime Report, ransomware attackers received approximately $1.1 billion in cryptocurrency payments in 2023. These ransoms were paid by high-profile institutions and critical infrastructure, with attacks ranging from small criminal groups to large syndicates.
The report also revealed that 538 new ransomware variants were created in 2023, with major corporations like BBC and British Airways being among the primary targets of these attacks.
#cyberattacks

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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) achieved a significant victory in their fight against organized crime by seizing $9.3 million worth of cryptocurrency. The operation uncovered the secret encrypted communication platform Ghost, leading to the arrest of its alleged creator. Using digital forensic analysis, authorities managed to crack the suspect's cryptocurrency accounts. This action is part of an ongoing investigation aimed at dismantling criminal networks and confiscating assets obtained through illegal means.
AFP Seizes $9.3 Million in Cryptocurrency in Operation Kraken
The Australian Federal Police announced that, as part of Operation Kraken targeting organized crime, they seized $9.3 million in cryptocurrency on September 17. The primary focus of the operation was the alleged creator of the encrypted communication platform Ghost, which was used by criminal organizations.
The suspect, a 32-year-old man from Narwee, was arrested and charged with supporting a criminal organization. According to the AFP, the assets were secured after their digital forensics team deciphered the "seed phrase" to the cryptocurrency account following the analysis of digital devices obtained from the suspect's home.
The seized funds were confiscated under the Commonwealth Proceeds of Crime Act.
Successes of Operation Kraken
CACT (Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce), established in 2012, works alongside experts from various institutions such as the Australian Taxation Office and AUSTRAC. Since 2019, it has seized criminal assets worth over $1.1 billion. The confiscated funds are held in a forfeited assets account, which supports crime prevention and law enforcement across Australia.
The investigation is still ongoing, and if the seized assets are confirmed as illegally obtained, they may be transferred to Commonwealth ownership.
Criminals Cannot Hide Their Illegal Gains
AFP demonstrated its ability to trace and recover hidden assets. Acting Commander Scott Raven emphasized that criminals will not be able to hide their illegally acquired funds. "Whether you hide them in real estate, cryptocurrency, or cash, we will track them down and take them, leaving you with nothing," he declared.
Results of Operation Kraken
So far, Operation Kraken has led to 46 arrests, 93 search warrants, and the seizure of $2.37 million in cash, along with various weapons.
What are your thoughts on the success of the Australian Federal Police in seizing #illegal cryptocurrency? Share your opinions in the comments.

#CryptoLaw , #cryptocrime , #cryptoregulation , #CryptoCrackdown

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Deniss Zolotarjovs, a 33-year-old Russian national, has been extradited to the United States to face charges related to his involvement in a cybercrime group that extorted victims and laundered cryptocurrency . Zolotarjovs, who was arrested in Georgia in December 2023, is accused of playing a key role in the group's operations, which included stealing sensitive data and demanding ransom payments in cryptocurrency .
Charges and Allegations
Zolotarjovs faces charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, wire fraud, and Hobbs Act extortion . He is alleged to have been a member of the Karakurt extortion gang, which compromised company systems, stole data, and demanded ransom payments in cryptocurrency . The group also operated a website that leaked or auctioned off stolen data .
Investigation and Extradition
The investigation into Zolotarjovs' activities was led by the FBI, which used cryptocurrency tracing, communication analysis, and data obtained from search warrants to link him to the extortion and money laundering activities . He was extradited to the US from Georgia, marking the first time a member of the Karakurt group has been brought to the US to face charges .
Implications
This extradition demonstrates the commitment of international law enforcement agencies to combating cybercrime and holding perpetrators accountable ¹. It also highlights the growing concern about cryptocurrency-related crimes and the need for increased cooperation between countries to prevent and investigate such offenses.
#cryptocrime #cryptoregulation #DOGSONBINANCE #BNBChainMemecoins #TelegramCEO

The United States and Nigeria have entered into a strategic alliance to combat the growing issue of crypto-related crime, focusing on joint regulatory and law enforcement initiatives.
This partnership will concentrate on identifying, tracking, and prosecuting illicit activities involving digital assets, such as fraud and money laundering, which have been on the rise with the expansion of the cryptocurrency sector.
By working together, the U.S. and Nigeria aim to address the unique regulatory challenges posed by the global nature of crypto transactions and ensure a more secure digital asset space for users in both regions.
This collaboration underscores the need for international cooperation to effectively tackle financial crimes in the evolving crypto landscape.
Do you think more countries will form similar alliances to address crypto crime?
#cryptocrime #CryptoNewss #NewsAboutCrypto #USA&Nigeria
Source: Crypto News

#BinanceSquareCreatorAward
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to community service after being
found guilty of involvement in a cryptocurrency theft in Scotland.
John Ross Rennie was convicted of aiding and abetting a home invasion
in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, during which Bitcoin valued at
approximately £110,000 was stolen.

The incident occurred in March 2020 when Rennie and his accomplices
entered a home and threatened the victim with a machete. They forced
the victim to transfer the Bitcoin to a designated wallet.
Rennie, while not directly involved in the physical assault, was
identified as the technical mastermind behind the operation,
providing guidance on the cryptocurrency transactions.

As a result of his involvement, Rennie was sentenced to 150 hours of community
service. Additionally, authorities seized 23.5 Bitcoin
from his possession. The case marked a significant milestone in
Scotland as the first instance of stolen cryptocurrency being traced
and recovered.

The stolen Bitcoin was subsequently converted into cash, with the
proceeds amounting to approximately £110,000. The incident
highlighted a growing trend of criminals targeting cryptocurrency
holdings through violent home invasions.

In a separate but related case, another home invasion
occurred in the same area, involving the assault of a female occupant
with a Toblerone chocolate bar. The perpetrators, who were believed
to be part of the same criminal group, threatened the victim and
demanded access to her cryptocurrency.

The use of violent tactics to obtain cryptocurrency has become
increasingly prevalent. In July 2023, a gang led by Remy Ra St. Felix
was responsible for a series of brutal home invasions targeting
victims in the United States. The gang employed extreme methods of
violence and intimidation to coerce their victims into surrendering
their crypto assets.

How can Crypto owners protect themselves from these types of physical
threats?
#Scotland #cryptocrime #CryptoSafetyMatters

Fraudsters stole $21.6 million from more than 40,000 investors to fund their lavish lifestyle, which allegedly included $100,000 spent on sex workers.
Five People Sentenced for Cryptocurrency Fraud
Five individuals have been sentenced to prison for their role in a cryptocurrency fraud scheme worth $21.6 million (€20 million). The stolen funds were reportedly spent on a shark tank, private jet rides, sex workers, and luxury cars.
The fraudsters obtained funds from around 40,000 investors through various investment schemes, including EXW Wallet and the EXW cryptocurrency token, according to a report by the Austrian news outlet Heute on October 23.
Sentences for the Fraudsters
Two of the defendants were sentenced to five years in prison, two received 30-month sentences, and one was sentenced to 18 months. Five others were acquitted, while several members of the group are still evading authorities.
The trial at the Klagenfurt Regional Court was the largest fraud trial in Austrian history, according to Heute. The sentences were handed down on October 23, following a two-month trial and more than 300 hours of hearings.
A Life Like a Hollywood Movie
The fraudsters lived a lavish lifestyle, hosting parties at some of Dubai's most luxurious clubs, traveling between cities on private jets, and even purchasing a shark tank for a villa in Bali, as reported by BehindMLM. Additionally, over $100,000 was spent on sex workers, according to a July 12 article by BehindMLM.

Cash Transported in Plastic Bags
The fraudulent operation was based in Dubai, but some of the stolen cash was transported to Austria, where many of the defendants originated. The funds were reportedly carried in plastic bags.
Austrian prosecutors charged eight individuals involved in the EXW fraud in September 2023, with several more charged in the following months. The lack of an extradition treaty between Austria and the United Arab Emirates complicated the prosecution, but some defendants voluntarily surrendered while others fled.
The EXW Fraudulent Investment Scheme
The EXW Wallet was launched in late 2019, promising daily returns on investments in EXW tokens ranging from 0.1% to 0.32%. However, the fraudulent scheme collapsed a few months later in 2020.
Some of the convicted individuals were also involved in promoting real estate projects and are under investigation for a separate cannabis-related fraud, where an estimated 17,000 victims were defrauded of $17.2 million (€16 million).
#cryptofraud , #CryptocurrencyScams , #cryptocrime , #CryptoNews🚀🔥

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,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“