Potential local victims of cryptocurrency theft being urged to come forward

Following last week’s arrests as part of an investigation into the theft of more than £22m worth of cryptocurrency, the South West Regional Cyber Crime Unit is urging potential victims to get in touch.

Six people, including two from Bath, were arrested last Tuesday, 25th June, as part of the ongoing cyber fraud investigation.

The team believes more than 4,000 people have had bitcoin stolen as a result of unknowingly visiting a spoofed version of an online cryptocurrency company’s website.

Detective Inspector Louise Boyce from the SW RCCU said: “We need to hear from anyone who thinks they may have been affected by these targeted efforts to phish users’ Blockchain.com credentials and steal their bitcoin since June 2017.

“Our investigation to-date shows that victims have made the simple – but costly – mistake of clicking on a bad web link, which instead of taking them to the legitimate Blockchain site has instead taken them to a spoof version, allowing their login details and bitcoin to be stolen.

“Our initial estimate is that more than 4,000 people have been affected in at least 12 countries. If people think they fall within this group, we need to hear from them.”

Blockchain, the company whose website was spoofed, said: “Copycat websites are unfortunately far too common in the burgeoning cryptocurrency ecosystem.

“We are thankful for the SW RCCU’s efforts in policing bad actors and urge those with information to assist in their investigation.”

The SW RCCU is asking potential victims of this case to contact them by email at [email protected], including details of the bitcoin wallets targeted, where possible.

General reports of cryptocurrency theft should be made to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk.