Crypto Theft Follows Series of Attacks Targeting Industry Investors and Executives
An American tourist visiting the United Kingdom fell victim to an elaborate scam that left him without his life savings after a man posing as an Uber driver drugged and robbed him of $123,000 in Bitcoin, according to a report from My London.
The victim, Jacob Irwin-Cline, said he had been out at a London bar on a night out and requested a ride using the Uber app. However, he mistakenly entered a different vehicle, assuming it was his driver due to the man’s resemblance to the app profile.
Drugged in the Car, Then Left Injured and Robbed
Once inside the vehicle, the driver reportedly offered Cline a cigarette. Cline suspects the cigarette was laced with scopolamine, a potent sedative also known as “Devil’s Breath,” which is known for its use in high-level robberies and kidnappings.
“It made me feel incredibly drowsy. I passed out for about 30 minutes,” said Cline.
When Cline regained consciousness, the driver ordered him to exit the car. As he complied, the driver suddenly accelerated, hitting Cline and fleeing the scene — along with the tourist’s cell phone, which held access to his Bitcoin wallet and private keys.
Cline says he doubts he will ever recover the stolen funds, which he described as his entire life savings.
Surge in Violent Crimes Targeting Crypto Holders
The incident adds to a growing list of violent crimes and scams targeting individuals known to hold substantial crypto assets.
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On May 3, French police rescued the father of a crypto exchange owner who had been kidnapped by criminals demanding ransom.
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Days later, the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of Paymium, were nearly abducted in broad daylight in Paris. The attackers were fought off by the family.
These incidents have sparked concern across the crypto community, with high-net-worth investors and industry professionals increasingly seeking private security and anonymity to reduce exposure.
Final Thoughts: A Cautionary Tale for Crypto Holders
The robbery in London serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with storing large amounts of cryptocurrency on mobile devices — particularly when traveling.
As crypto thefts and targeted attacks continue to rise globally, experts urge users to:
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Avoid keeping large holdings on devices that travel with them.
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Use cold wallets and hardware devices stored securely.
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Double-check ride-share and service details before entering vehicles.
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Be cautious of accepting items (like cigarettes or drinks) from strangers.
For Cline, the financial loss may be permanent — but the broader lesson is clear: in the digital asset era, physical security is just as important as digital hygiene.
