Michaela
An American tourist in the United Kingdom has reportedly fallen victim to a crypto theft, in which a suspected fake Uber driver drugged the individual and stole $123,000 in Bitcoin.
According to the British news outlet My London, Jacob Irwin-Cline requested an Uber after consuming several drinks at a London bar. However, Cline did not carefully verify the ride details on his phone and was instead picked up by a private cab driver. Although the driver initially appeared similar to the Uber driver, Cline only realized the vehicles were different after the incident had taken place.
During the ride, the driver reportedly offered Cline a cigarette, which he believes was likely laced with scopolamine, a rare and powerful sedative. The U.S. tourist said the cigarette made him feel unusually lethargic and drowsy, causing him to lose consciousness for roughly 30 minutes before waking up.
Shortly after Cline regained consciousness, the driver told him to get out of the vehicle and quickly drove off once he stepped out—allegedly striking him as he sped away. The thief made off with Cline’s phone, which contained private keys and access to his cryptocurrency accounts.
Rising Cases of Crypto Theft
Cline’s ordeal is among a growing number of crypto theft crimes reported in recent weeks. Just last week, armed attackers in Paris allegedly attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO and co-founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Paymium.
Surveillance footage from the incident shows three masked individuals exiting a van and attempting to forcibly abduct Noizat’s daughter and her child. The woman’s partner, who stepped in to stop the attack, was reportedly assaulted during the altercation.
Earlier that same week, a separate kidnapping case emerged in Florida involving three teenagers accused of abducting a man at gunpoint. The incident reportedly took place after a cryptocurrency event in Las Vegas. Authorities alleged the suspects stole digital assets worth around $4 million, including various cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Although the alleged abduction occurred in November, the details have only recently surfaced. Court filings reveal that the victim reported to police that he was held at gunpoint by three young men, who then forced him into a vehicle. He was allegedly driven to a secluded desert area, where the suspects stole digital assets valued in the millions.
The recent surge in crypto theft crimes and criminal activity has raised alarm within the digital asset community, particularly among high-profile investors and industry figures. These incidents—which range from elaborate scams to physical abductions—have become increasingly common in recent months, emphasizing growing concerns about the risks facing individuals with significant exposure or visibility in the crypto space.
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Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
