Swedish Bitcoin Holders Targeted by Criminals
Criminals in Sweden have been targeting prominent local Bitcoin figures, taking advantage of the ease of access to personal information and residential addresses in the country. Reports from Swedish media outlets LT and Aftonbladet linked separate robberies in Rönninge and Södertälje that occurred under the same modus operandi, involving victims being tied up and physically abused to steal physical and virtual Bitcoin (BTC) holdings.
Prominent cryptocurrency proponent Eric Wall, a StarkNet Foundation board member, highlighted these incidents on Twitter. He noted that the purpose of the assault was to steal Bitcoin from the victims before mentioning a separate incident where “two well-known Bitcoin/crypto profiles were targeted in their homes by masked, armed men.”
Threat to Bitcoin Users
Wall believes that criminals are actively looking for ways to target Bitcoin users, and they may be using social media to identify potential victims. He also pointed out that Sweden’s Principle of Public Access to Information laws is making it easier for criminals to prey on cryptocurrency ecosystem participants by allowing them access to residential addresses and tax records.
Sweden as a Safe Place for Cryptocurrency Activities
According to Wall, he left Sweden due to these laws and believes that the country is not safe for individuals involved in the cryptocurrency sector. The legislation intended to reduce corruption has now become a tool for criminals, allowing them to search for residents’ addresses and tax records. This information can then be used to target individuals based on their income or capital gains tax payments.
Hot Take: Protecting Cryptocurrency Users in Sweden
The recent incidents in Sweden highlight the vulnerability of cryptocurrency users in the country. The ease of access to personal information and residential addresses has made it easier for criminals to target prominent Bitcoin figures. The government needs to take steps to protect cryptocurrency users by revisiting the Principle of Public Access to Information laws and implementing measures to ensure the safety and security of individuals involved in the cryptocurrency sector.
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