Bitcoin user kidnapped and killed to steal $200,000 in Bitcoin

There are several miscreants in the cryptocurrency industry, but most of them fall into the cybercrime category. However, things took a different turn after a 29-year-old Bitcoin user was kidnapped and murdered in Kyiv, Ukraine. A recent report highlights that four men aged between 24 and 29 killed the foreign Bitcoin user who was in Kyiv.

As reported by Kyiv police, the bitcoiner was allegedly forced to transfer bitcoins worth a staggering 7 million Ukrainian hryvnias to an abandoned building. Around midnight on July 29, the man was attacked and officials confirmed that the attack was planned. The man was killed by strangulation and his body was buried in a jungle after transferring the bitcoins. Furthermore, while in custody, the suspects exchanged the stolen bitcoins for US dollars (USD) and euros. They even changed the license plates of the car they used in the crime.

Police added:

“Information about the man’s abduction reached the capital’s police around midnight. Residents of a house in the Solomyansk district heard screams and saw several unknown people beating a man and forcibly dragging him into a car.”

The prosecution intends to bring several charges against those arrested. These include charges of murder, robbery and deprivation of liberty by an organized group, as well as concealment of crimes. In addition, the suspects could face a life sentence in prison for their crime against the Bitcoiner.

Also read: Bitcoin killer: Doctor admits paying BTC for girlfriend’s murder

Not the first …

While hacks and scams are more common, murders are not far behind. In the last two years, there have been several suspicious deaths of people who were part of the industry. In a recent guide, Jameson Lopp stressed the importance of security. Lopp added:

“Privacy is an important aspect of security. While it is not a complete solution to protecting your assets, it is a good strategy to include in your security toolkit. The general premise is that if criminals are less aware of you, you are less likely to be targeted.”

Also read: Missing crypto millionaire found dismembered in a suitcase