Gushiken Yona
A chilling incident in Bangkok casts a shadow over the upcoming Ethereum Devcon, highlighting the vulnerability of even seasoned crypto professionals to street crime.
Haichao, the co-founder of Rooch Network, found himself face-to-face with knife-wielding robbers in the early hours of the morning Monday, losing his phone in the terrifying encounter. His experience is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety precautions, particularly for those traveling to unfamiliar cities.
Haichaoβs ordeal began upon his arrival in Bangkok. His flight landed at 3 a.m., and a miscommunication with his taxi driver led to him being dropped off at the wrong location. Forced to navigate unfamiliar streΠ΅ts at 4:30 a.m., while dragging his luggage and consulting Google Maps, he became a target.
Two men on a motorcycle approached him, one brandishing a knife. In the ensuing struggle, Haichaoβs phone was snatched. Though physically unharmed, save for a small cut from the knife, the experience left him shaken.
He later recounted the incident in detail on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized he believes he was a random victim and wasn’t targeted specifically for being involved in crypto. He wasnβt wearing any crypto swag or Bitcoin logos.
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He shared his experience not to spread fear, but to warn fellow travelers, especially those attending Devcon and related events. “Please be careful not tΠΎ go out alone at midnight,” he cautioned.
Haichao further said that while Bangkok is generally safe, vigilance is crucial, especially in the darkness. He detailed the incident, offering specific advice: double-check locations on maps, avoid walking alone late at night, and have a backup plan in case of phone loss.
He also praised thΠ΅ helpfulness of a young bystander and the police, though noted initial confusion among officers regarding the nature of the crime. Unfortunately, Haichao’s experience is not an isolatΠ΅d incident.
Criminals increasingly see cryptocurrency holders as lucrative targets. Just last month, Thai police busted a crypto heist involving over $620,000 stolen from a local woman through a Facebook scam.
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Even more disturbing, a group of Thai police officers allegedly held a Chinese businessman hostage, demanding a $10 million cryptocurrency ransom. The officers used fabricated charges and threats of imprisonment, shaking public trust in law enforcement.
As the Ethereum community descends upon Bangkok for Devcon, Haichaoβs expΠ΅rience serves as a timely reminder. While the city offers a vibrant culture and exciting events, attendees must prioritize personal safety.
Staying aware of surroundings, avoiding isolated areas at night, and securing personal belongings are crucial precautions. The convergence of thousands of crypto enthusiasts for Devcon makes it an especially attractive target for potential criminals, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance.
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YONA GUSHIKEN
Yona brings a decade of experience covering gaming, tech, and blockchain news. As one of the few women in crypto journalism, her mission is to demystify complex technical subjects for a wider audience. Her work blends professional insight with engaging narratives, aiming to educate and entertain.
