Armed Robbers Steal $1.8 Million In Virtual Currency

Virtual currency is just as susceptible to being stolen as any stacks of dollar bills that you might have hidden under your bed. Thieves can make off with your digital wallet and if they have the necessary information, they can transfer the virtual funds in their own digital wallet. That’s exactly what Louis Meza and an accomplice did to their victim. They stole $1.8 million worth of ethereum virtual currency from his digital wallet.

The thief has since been charged with robbery by the Manhattan District Attorney. Meza and his accomplice allegedly help the victim up at gunpoint, lured him into a vehicle and stole his keys, cellphone, and wallet. Meza used the keys to enter the victim’s apartment and steal his digital wallet.

The DA’s press release mentions that Meza knew the victim and was also aware that he had a lot of money tied up in ethereum. “Meza insisted on ordering a car service for the victim, who entered a minivan after parting ways with Meza,” after meeting him on the evening of November 4th the press release said.

Meza has been charged with robbery, criminal possession of stolen property, computer tampering, and computer trespass.

“This case demonstrates the increasingly common intersection between cyber and violent crime,” said NY County District Attorney Cyrus Vance, cautioning that this type of time will become increasingly common as values of cryptocurrencies continue to surge.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Web
Tags: ethereum, virtual currency