Cybercrime is the most likely form of attack on the holdings of cryptoasset investors, but the disturbing case of an attempted shotgun robbery in Norway, reported on Sunday, highlights the danger of physical attacks.
Reported by local broadcaster TV2, the victim was a known cryptocurrency investor with assets worth around NOK100 million ($11.2 million) who, on answering the door to his private apartment, was confronted by the barrel of his assaillant’s shotgun and was ordered to “lie down, or I’ll shoot”.
The victim was able to escape by flinging himself from his balcony to the street below and, presumably, able to alert help as the suspect was apprehended and will face a court hearing beginning October 17. Little more is known of the details as representatives of both victime and suspect are saying nothing ahead of the trial.
Alarming Similarities
This event, however, strikes some alarming similarities with other attacks on cryptocurrency investors. Just weeks ago five men were arrested in Kerala, India, after allegedly torturing to death the head of a bitcoin investment scheme. And a crypto investor and blogger was murdered in St Petersburg, Russia, last year by masked attackers.
While there’s little data to suggest physical attacks are becoming more prevalent, crypto wealth is certainly on the increase and has given rise to a community of outspoken enthusiasts who regularly use social media to air their views. Indeed, the TV2 report said the alleged Norwegian victim had been in the public spotlight for his successes in cryptocurrency investment.
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