Ukrainian Tourist Kidnapped in Phuket, Forced to Transfer $250,000 in Cryptocurrency

November 13, 2024 William Ross Asia Pacific, Cryptocurrency News, World 0

Violent Robbery in Phuket: Ukrainian Tourist Loses $250,000 in Crypto”

A 23-year-old Ukrainian tourist, Viacheslav Leibov, was kidnapped and coerced into transferring $250,000 in USDT stablecoins (approximately 8.56 million baht) to two armed robbers. The incident was reported, in Phuket, Thailand on November 13, 2024.

Leibov was reportedly threatened with violence until he complied with the robbers’ demands. Initially, the two assailants, identified as an Armenian and a Ukrainian, demanded $500,000 in USDT but eventually agreed to settle for half the amount.

“They tied me to a bed and warned me not to report the incident,” Leibov recounted. “I was terrified and had no choice but to comply.”

The Robbery

After securing the cryptocurrency, the robbers fled the scene, leaving Leibov bound. Despite the threats, Leibov managed to free himself and promptly reported the incident to the Thai police.

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Police Investigation

Thai authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. “We are taking this matter very seriously and are working diligently to apprehend the suspects,” a police spokesperson stated.

Rising Concerns

This incident has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in Phuket and the increasing use of cryptocurrency in criminal activities. “It’s alarming to see such a significant amount of money being transferred under duress,” commented a local security expert.

Authorities are urging tourists to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately.

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William Ross
About William Ross 286 Articles
I am a cryptocurrency enthusiast and writer with over five years of experience in the industry. I have been following the development and innovation of Bitcoin and Ethereum since their inception, and I enjoy sharing my insights and analysis with readers. I have written for various reputable platforms, such as CoinDesk, Cointelegraph, and Decrypt, covering topics such as market trends, regulation, security, and adoption. I believe that cryptocurrency is the future of finance and technology, and I am passionate about educating and informing people about its benefits and challenges.

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