Crypto Theft: Delhi Woman Robbed of $3 Million in Bitcoins While Phone Was in Flight Mode

A shocking incident unfolded recently in Delhi, where a woman lost a staggering $3 million in a crypto heist. The twist? Her phone was in “flight mode” during the entire episode. Let’s delve into the details of this audacious theft.

The Heist

On July 4, 2024, a woman from West Delhi was traveling abroad. Unbeknownst to her, her close friend orchestrated a cunning plan. With the assistance of two associates, the friend siphoned off 6 bitcoins (BTC) from the victim’s crypto mobile wallet. The audacity of the crime lies in the fact that it occurred while the victim’s phone was in flight mode, rendering it seemingly secure.

The Modus Operandi

The accused trio was well aware of the victim’s travel plans. They knew she would be on a flight for approximately 7-8 hours, during which her phone would remain switched off. Exploiting this window of opportunity, they executed their plan meticulously.

1. Crypto Tumblers: To avoid detection, the thieves used multiple “tumblers.” These tools mix identifiable cryptocurrencies with others, effectively obfuscating the money trail of the stolen coins.
2. Wallet Transfers: The stolen bitcoins were swiftly transferred to six different wallets. The victim, a digital marketer, realized the loss on July 4 and promptly filed a complaint.
3. Conversion to Cash: After the theft, the accused converted some of the crypto holdings into cash using different accounts.

The Arrest

The police acted swiftly, apprehending the accused woman—a resident of Uttam Nagar—on July 19. During the investigation, they recovered cash worth $1.25 million, 2.32 BTC, 96,000 USDT, and three mobile phones from the suspects. The charges against them include theft, concealment of property, criminal conspiracy, joint criminal liability, and violation of the IT Act.

Conclusion

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the crypto world. Even with advanced security measures, criminals find innovative ways to exploit weaknesses. As investors, we must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard our digital assets.

Remember, even when your phone is in flight mode, your crypto holdings might not be safe from determined thieves.