When crypto makes people envious. The Canada Policeincluding certain branches are associated with Chainalysisanalysis company onchain famous, recently reported an alarming trend of thefts by intrusion into the homes of large crypto investors in the country.
Suspects pose as delivery personnel or government officials to gain access to victims’ homes and cryptographic accounts. Incidents have been reported in Delta and Richmond.
Celebrities and crypto fans: the thieves’ new prey
Based on the statement from the Staff Sergeant of the Delta Police Investigation Department, Jill Longthe suspects are well aware of the victims’ involvement in cryptocurrency and know their addresses.
« The suspects seem to know that the victims are very invested in cryptocurrency, they know where they live and come to rob them at home. »
« It appears that someone is targeting these people to steal cryptocurrencies from them, and that’s why we feel it’s necessary to issue a warning in the interests of public safety. »
Staff Sergeant Gene Hsieh of the Richmond RCMP Major Crime Unit
Their target? Whales, that is, investors holding large amounts of cryptocurrencies. A growing threat that Canadian police were keen to point out. So, like a crypto expert authorities made recommendations for crypto investors to optimize their security. 2FA, cold wallet, multisig… any advice is good and worth taking.
Modus Openrandi of cryptocurrency thieves
It would appear that the scourge sweeping across Canada is well rooted, as the police press release, intended for mass distribution, explains:
« The police would like to remind everyone, whether they are big cryptocurrency investors or not, that there are ways to avoid becoming a victim of crime at home. (…)
- If a deliveryman or someone pretending to be someone from the authorities turns up at your house unannounced, don’t let him in. Ask them to leave the package outside, or call the organization they work for to confirm their identity. (…)
- Keep your valuables and financial information in a safe place: for example, in the safe of a financial institution.
- Only discuss financial matters with people you trust. Never do so in public places where you can be overheard, or on social media.
- Be careful, and do your own research when investing. Only deal with reputable brokers. »
Sound advice that reminds us all too much of the importance of security in our beautiful ecosystem, which, through its growth, is increasingly attracting malicious minds.
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The cryptocurrency context in Canada
This more thefts targeting public figures holding cryptocurrencies is not not insignificant. In fact, Canada ranked quite highly among countries with a lenient regulation towards cryptocurrencies. In 2022, the country ranked 22ᵉ in Chainalysis’ Global Crypto Adoption Index, compared with 26ᵉ position in 2021 and 24ᵉ in 2020, as weexplain our colleagues at The Block.
A real iron fist in a velvet glove. However, thestrict regulatory approach approach to the crypto industry led to the creation of the closure of several exchangessuch as Binance and Bybit in the country in recent months. Crypto companies are now required to seek approval from the Canadian Securities Administrators, subjecting them to rigorous due diligence checks.
Canadian police report an emerging trend of robberies targeting large cryptocurrency investors in the country. As the saying goes « let’s live happily, let’s live hidden »It’s important not to disclose your investments publicly, and to make sure your cryptographic accounts are secure, at least for the time being. risk burning your wings.
When it comes to crypto, don’t cut corners! So, to keep your crypto assets safe, the best solution is still a personal hardware wallet. At Ledgerthere’s something for every profile and every crypto. Don’t wait to secure your capital (commercial link)!