Israeli Tourists in Costa Rica Fall Victim to 700k Bitcoin Heist
In a shocking incident, eleven Israeli tourists fell victim to a violent robbery at Santa Teresa de Cóbano beach in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The attack unfolded during a social gathering, when a group of at least eight assailants approached them. Arriving in two luxury vehicles, the attackers quickly overpowered the tourists’ security guard.
The robbers, believed to have received police training, coerced the tourists into surrendering their valuables, which included a significant amount of Bitcoin (
BTC
). Surveillance footage captured the assailants, some of whom donned what appeared to be police uniforms, as they moved the victims around the area.
You might also like:
Aug. 15 crucial date as Bitcoin and altcoins continue to rise
Authorities suspect that the attackers may have had insider knowledge regarding the tourists’ financial activities, indicating that someone within their circle could have alerted the criminals. The Judicial Investigation Agency is currently pursuing leads to unravel the case.
The awareness displayed by the robbers regarding the Bitcoin holdings has led investigators to believe that the incident might have been orchestrated by someone close to the group. The inquiry is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying the culprits and recovering the stolen property.
Local news agency Teletica contributed to the coverage of this incident.
Similar crypto crime in Ukraine
This robbery bears resemblance to a recent incident in Kyiv, Ukraine, where police apprehended four individuals linked to the kidnapping and murder of a 29-year-old foreigner over nearly 3 Bitcoin. This premeditated crime involved the suspects tracking the victim home before launching their attack and forcing him to transfer his Bitcoin. Tragically, the victim was subsequently murdered, and his remains were concealed in a forest.
These events highlight the escalating risks that cryptocurrency holders face as criminals adapt and become more strategic in targeting those with substantial digital assets.
Is there a growing rate of crypto crimes?
A June report by Chainalysis indicated that crimes involving cryptocurrency are becoming increasingly complex and challenging for law enforcement to combat. The investigations require more time and advanced tools to effectively address these offenses.
While many public sector employees view cryptocurrency favorably, there is rising apprehension regarding its use by criminals, particularly in regions such as Asia-Pacific. The Chainalysis report emphasized the urgent need for enhanced staffing and technological resources in public sector agencies globally as they strive to combat crypto-related crime.
You might also like:
Crypto sell-off: Massive trading volumes seen in Bitcoin ETFs
