Crypto Miner Abducted: $166,000 Ransom Demand
The expansion of the cryptocurrency realm has unfortunately brought about a rise in perilous incidents targeting its participants.
Instances like the recent abduction of a 23-year-old crypto miner in Izhevsk, Russia, exemplify this concerning trend.
Reports revealed that a criminal group seized the miner from his residence’s yard, utilizing a vehicle registered to a retiree from Perm on December 25. Subsequently, the kidnappers, one of whom had familiarity with the victim, contacted his brother through Telegram, demanding a ransom of 15 million rubles (approximately $166,000). They threatened to fabricate drug-related charges against the captive if the ransom wasn’t paid.
Fortunately, law enforcement swiftly apprehended the culprits, individuals with a history of criminal offenses including robbery and extortion, now facing a potential prison term of up to 12 years.
READ MORE: Blockchain Protocol Levana Hit by $1.1M Exploit
This incident isn’t an isolated one within the cryptocurrency sphere. Prior cases, such as the kidnapping of Ontario’s ‘crypto king’ Aiden Pleterski, or the abduction of executives from a crypto exchange client resulting in a loss of $12.5 million, demonstrate a distressing pattern.
Tragically, the case of John Forsyth, an ER doctor and crypto millionaire, adds a more somber note. His body was discovered in the Missouri Ozarks after earlier reports from his family indicated a kidnapping in February 2022, allegedly linked to the world of cryptocurrency.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at CoinsPress
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over five years of experience covering the industry, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics - stay ahead of the curve with CoinsPress.
