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Blockchain investigator ZachXBT has observed a rise in reports of offline crypto thefts, with an increasing number of traders becoming victims of home invasions. In an Oct. 10 post, ZachXBT revealed that several victims in Western Europe have been targeted in recent months, facing violent attacks where crypto was stolen.
In one case, a trader lost $4.3 million in a June 2024 home invasion. ZachXBT suggests the victim’s personal data was compromised through a breach, allowing the attackers to locate them. The thieves, posing as delivery personnel, forced their way into the home with machetes, demanding the victim transfer funds to two crypto wallets, which remain inactive.
According to GitHub, there have been at least 15 recorded incidents of offline crypto theft in the past year, 17 in 2023, and 32 in 2021. ZachXBT advises caution, urging crypto holders to avoid sharing personal details or flaunting their assets online to reduce their risk.
Offline crypto thefts are not new, with cases dating back to 2014. However, 2024 has seen an alarming rise in these incidents, signaling a growing threat to crypto traders worldwide.