Cryptocurrency Dispute Turns Violent in Thailand, Russian Suspects on the Run

A cryptocurrency-related dispute in Phuket, Thailand, escalated into a violent robbery, with Thai police launching a manhunt for two Russian suspects. The incident began when a 31-year-old Russian national was assaulted and robbed of $20,000 in a hotel in Karon, Phuket.

According to local reports, the two suspects, who were known associates of the victim, confronted him over an unsettled cryptocurrency debt stemming from previous business dealings in Russia. The mastermind, identified as Andrei, allegedly demanded the victim repay $120,000 and attempted to force the victim into unlocking his crypto wallet, even threatening to kill him if he refused.

When the victim resisted unlocking the wallet, he was repeatedly punched and kicked, eventually losing consciousness after being struck on the back of the head. The assailants then fled the scene after stealing cash and left the victim restrained in the bathroom.

International Manhunt Underway

One suspect, Andrei, remains in Thailand, while the second, Dmitri, fled to Dubai shortly after the incident. Arrest warrants have been issued, and Thai authorities continue to track the suspects with the assistance of immigration and local police units.

Rise of Violent Crimes Related to Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies, now more valuable than ever, have increasingly become entangled with violent crime. In 2024 alone, the digital gold rush has fueled a wave of chilling crimes, from high-stakes kidnappings to violent extortions.

Some notable cases include:

  • In July, four men were arrested for abducting and murdering a 29-year-old tourist in Kyiv, which police said was a premeditated incident over plans to steal 3 Bitcoin.
  • A month later, a similar case was reported in Santa Teresa de Cóbano beach in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Eleven Israeli tourists were robbed of a substantial amount of Bitcoin at gunpoint by criminals dressed in police uniforms and believed to have police training.

These incidents highlight the growing need for cryptocurrency investors to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to secure their assets.

For the latest updates on cryptocurrency news and trends, visit Global Crypto News for in-depth analysis and insights.

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