Criminals see ostentatious cryptocurrency holders as easy targets and violent attacks have skyrocketed.
A far cry from the rocket-producing Internet memes and other videos that promise daring returns on investment, coming back to reality is sometimes difficult for some reckless investors who like to flaunt their wealth.
Macabre Assault: Millionaire Dismembered in a Suitcase
The case gave a lot to talk about. Millionaire investor Fernando Pérez Algaba was found dismembered in a suitcase. At least in part, his head was found in a backpack shortly after the discovery of his limbs in a suitcase.
Many commentators wanted to reassure themselves by mentioning the fact that the millionaire’s death certainly had more to do with his bad associations (particularly questionable creditors) than his cryptocurrency fortune. And this cannot be ruled out.
That said, the lifestyle of the Argentine, who liked to appear behind the wheel of beautiful cars and on social media, left little doubt about his financial situation. It is also quite possible that this display of wealth gave birth to envious people, jealous people, or vengeful ideas.
While the murder of Fernando Pérez is a particularly shocking case, it is not entirely an isolated matter.
Showing One’s Fortune, a Temptation to Avoid
It is worth recalling the statements made by Hasheur (Owen Simonin), the victim of an assault at his home last year, committed by one of his ‘followers’ on social networks who imagined that he could make Owen spit out some sorrel at gunpoint.
Although the story ended well, it led Hasheur to move on and take more precautions about sharing his personal information. It is obvious that his crazy success can lead to jealousy and temptations.
However, an Owen Simonin is very different from a Fernando Pérez Algaba, as while the latter liked to show off, Owen does not flaunt his success in the eyes of everyone by spending all day behind the wheel of luxury cars. However, as a successful business leader and businessman, he finds it hard to hide it.
Kidnapped by Ethers Lived through Hell
In 2017, a cryptocurrency holder goes to an appointment with one of his relatives. However, this relative knew that he had a significant amount of Ether in a non-custodial wallet at his home.
The perpetrators of the attack kidnapped the victim, forced him to transmit her telephone codes, and kindly gave him the keys to his house, all this at gunpoint, a splendid negotiating accelerator.
The kidnappers then went to the victim’s house to steal his wallet and transfer $1.8 million in Ethers to their own wallets.
The case went to the New York Supreme Court, which considered that the number of attacks related to the possession of digital assets will be closely linked to the increase in value of these same assets. In other words, the more one’s cryptos are worth, the more lust they attract.
London, Capital of Attacks Linked to Crypto
More recently, many people have noticed that physical attacks in London have increased dramatically against cryptocurrency holders. And this while knife attacks have reached a new record in the London capital in 2022.
The police and gendarmerie, as well as specialized investigative groups, are increasingly looking for profiles of Blockchain experts who can help them track down criminals.
The cases presented here should encourage you to be very careful with the people to whom your mention your own investments. Apparently, to live happily, you have to live hidden.
By Audy Castaneda
