In a recent tweet on X (formerly Twitter), CASA co-founder and CTO Jameson Lopp recently brought to attention a crypto crime that happened in Romania. A businessman was kidnapped and tortured to give up the access code of his cryptocurrency accounts with which the robbers made away with about $200,000 worth of crypto assets.
Details of the Attack
The incident occurred in the outskirts of Floreşti, at midnight. The 42-year-old businessman who is also the owner of a well-known restaurant in Cluj disclosed that he went to the location to meet an acquaintance who he wanted to advise in the field of cryptocurrencies. About 15 minutes later, two other persons who had their faces covered by hoods appeared and tied him down.
Using the methods of the Italian mafia, the perpetrators proceeded to force information out of him. According to the businessman’s statements, the aggressors cut his finger, poured alcohol down his throat, doused him with diesel, and threatened him with death. After hours of severe torture, he could not hold out again therefore he gave the robbers the access code of his cryptocurrency accounts.
With access to the man’s crypto accounts, the aggressors made away with over $200,000 worth of assets. Additionally, they stole the businessman’s mobile phone, his two laptops, the chain he had around his neck, and the wedding ring.
Notably, this torture incident occurred in a secluded location. There was no lighting nor surveillance cameras in the area, an issue which the police admitted would be a setback to their investigations. However, the local authorities pointed out they are working hard with the clues they currently have.
The businessman has been hospitalized in the Department of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery for monitoring and specialized treatment following an emergency surgery to reconstruct the finger.
Measures to Minimize Crypto Crimes
Crimes like this are not new in the crypto scene and no one is immune to them. Therefore, safety measures should be taken to ensure the protection of funds. Assets owners and investors are advised to be very private with digital holdings. The more loudly one talks about his asset, the greater risk he puts himself.
Additionally, the geographic separation of keys into a multi-signature setup can help improve resistance to physical attack.
