Crypto Theft Incident: Fake Uber Driver Drugs American Tourist and Steals $123K in Bitcoin and XRP
High-value crypto theft incidents are increasingly alarming for travelers across the globe, as highlighted by Jacob Irwin Cline’s shocking experience in London. The 30-year-old American tourist
arrived for a short layover but left with a significant cryptocurrency loss of $123,000, specifically in Bitcoin and XRP. According to his account, a man posing as his Uber driver approached him outside a Soho bar, calling out his rideshare nickname. Cline got into the car without double-checking the model or license plate.
The ride took a sinister turn when Cline was handed a cigarette laced with scopolamine, a potent sedative that left him incapacitated. During this blackout, he handed over access to his phone and crypto accounts. He later awoke alone, injured, and disoriented, discovering that his digital wallets had been emptied. His XRP balance drastically dropped from $73,000 to below $1,000, while his Bitcoin funds plummeted from $50,000 to under $10,000.
The case has caught the attention of British police and highlights a troubling pattern of targeted high-value crypto crime. In recent weeks, other incidents, including an attempted kidnap of cryptocurrency exchange executive family members in Paris, underscore the urgent need for vigilant security measures for cryptocurrency holders.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.