Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong triggered a bomb squad response this week after receiving a suspicious package deal at residence.
The scare got here amid a surge in crime concentrating on crypto traders and trade billionaires.
Crypto Kidnapping Circumstances Are Making CEOs Nervous
The Coinbase CEO shared the incident in a submit on X (Twitter), reporting what would have in any other case added to the rising checklist of crimes concentrating on crypto billionaires.
A supply to Brian Armstrong’s home alarmed his safety guards as its packaging was slightly suspicious.
“A white unmarked van pulled as much as my home yesterday and dropped off a mysterious package deal,” Armstrong posted on X.
Armstrong was out of city on the time. Nonetheless, as is anticipated for deliveries to high-profile people, his guards on the gate x-rayed the package deal, and the outcomes prompted a safety alert.
The X-ray reportedly confirmed that the package deal contained a battery, wires, and a cylinder, elements typical of a bomb.
The technique of supply, a white unmarked van, seemingly added to the suspicion. What was meant to impress ended up alarming as a substitute.
Primarily based on this, the safety staff referred to as the bomb squad to analyze, citing questionable packaging full with electronics.
Given the rise in crypto-related crime, the place unhealthy actors goal traders and billionaires holding digital belongings, this was a reliable concern from Armstrong’s safety element.
Whereas the foresight was well-informed, the merchandise was finally recognized as a promotional bottle of tequila from The All-In Podcast, marking an fascinating twist.
“In the long run they found it was a present from The All-In Podcast guys of their new tequila! I feel I will probably be giving this bottle to my safety staff for preserving us secure day by day,” Armstrong mentioned.
Advertising and marketing or Full-Scale Bomb Scare?
Towards this backdrop, Armstrong directed or potential consumers to the sender’s web site to put orders for a bottle of tequila whose packaging mimics the looks of an improvised machine.
In the meantime, crypto Twitter reacted with shock, humor, and confusion as the weird packaging turned heads.
“Genuinely terrifying till I bought to the reward half. Glad you’re secure,” one person replied.
Others have been extra skeptical, calling for a proof concerning the use and function of the battery and wires.
Whereas ending on a light-weight word, the incident highlights ongoing security issues inside the crypto trade. Armstrong’s high-profile standing undoubtedly makes him a possible goal, and up to date occasions function good precedent.
Barely per week in the past, BeInCrypto reported {that a} crypto billionaire in Estonia fought off kidnappers, finally biting off one attacker’s finger through the tried abduction.
Different incidents embody the kidnapping of two Russian crypto entrepreneurs in Buenos Aires, with criminals demanding $43,000 in ransom paid in crypto.
The surge in threats, particularly in areas like France, has triggered international concern. In Paris, safety professionals warned that crypto’s rising visibility is attracting organized crime at an alarming price.
Elaborate scams, extortion makes an attempt, and bodily threats are potential risks because the surge in crypto wealth more and more makes trade leaders potential targets.
The All-In podcast has but to touch upon the packaging selection publicly.
The submit Coinbase CEO Calls the Bomb Squad for a Stunning Present appeared first on BeInCrypto.