Crypto Owner Loses $123,000 in London Uber Scam

An American tourist, Jacob Irwin-Cline, was drugged and robbed of $123,000 in cryptocurrency during a layover in London. The incident occurred on May 9 at approximately 1:30 AM, when Irwin-Cline left a nightclub in Soho and mistakenly entered a dark sedan instead of the Toyota Prius displayed on his Uber app. The fraudulent driver drugged Irwin-Cline and used his phone to steal $72,000 in XRP, $50,000 in Bitcoin, and other smaller amounts of digital currency from his digital wallet.

Irwin-Cline, a 30-year-old former software developer from Portland, Oregon, had several drinks before calling an Uber to take him home. He did not thoroughly check the details of the Uber ride on his phone and left with a random private cab driver resembling the Uber driver at first glance, but driving a different vehicle — a detail Irwin-Cline would only discover after the incident. Once inside the vehicle, the driver offered him a cigarette, which Irwin-Cline said was likely laced with a rare and potent sedative drug called scopolamine. Irwin-Cline added that the cigarette made him feel extremely docile and tired, causing him to pass out for around 30 minutes before regaining consciousness.

Shortly after Irwin-Cline woke up, the driver ordered him out of the vehicle. As Irwin-Cline exited, the driver suddenly sped off, striking him with the car and fleeing with his cellphone, which contained his private keys and access to his crypto accounts. Irwin-Cline believes the attacker may have used a powerful sedative known as “Devil's Breath” to incapacitate him and gain access to his crypto wallet. This incident highlights a growing trend of criminals impersonating ride-share drivers to deceive and rob cryptocurrency owners, exploiting their lack of attention and vulnerability. The use of sedatives in such crimes is particularly alarming, as it underscores the lengths to which criminals will go to exploit their victims.

The incident in London is not an isolated case. Last December, an Uber driver in Scottsdale, Arizona, was arrested for stealing $300,000 in cryptocurrency from passengers by tricking them into handing over their phones to look up directions. This method of deception is becoming increasingly common, and cryptocurrency owners are being urged to exercise extreme caution, especially when traveling to new places. The London incident has raised awareness among cryptocurrency owners about the risks associated with using ride-share services. The police are investigating the case, but no arrests have been made yet. This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of keeping digital assets secure, particularly when traveling. Cryptocurrency owners are advised to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their investments from such fraudulent activities.

This unfortunate incident comes amid a recent spate of kidnappings, extortion incidents, armed robberies, and ransom attempts directed at crypto industry executives, investors, and their families. Several kidnapping incidents involving crypto investors, industry executives, and their families have occurred in May. On May 3, the father of an unnamed crypto exchange owner was freed by law enforcement officials after they raided the property where the individual was being held captive by organized criminals demanding a ransom for his release. Shortly after that incident, the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of the Paymium crypto exchange, were the targets of an attempted kidnapping in Paris. The incident occurred in broad daylight when the assailants attacked the family and attempted to force them into a parked vehicle. However, Noizat's daughter and another individual were able to fight off the masked attackers. The rise in violent attacks against crypto investors and professionals has prompted an increase in personal security, including requests for bodyguards and private security measures for those likely to be victimized.