Crypto investors targeted in Canada home robberies

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(Kitco News) – Canadian authorities have issued a warning to the public about an emerging trend of cryptocurrency investors being targeted in home thefts, with local law enforcement in Richmond and Delta, B.C. responding to several such incidents over the past year.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Richmond and Delta Police issued the public warning Wednesday “after learning of a possible trend emerging in which high-value cryptocurrency investors are being robbed from their own homes.”

“It appears someone is targeting these victims for cryptocurrency, and we believe this public warning is necessary in the interest of public safety,” said Staff Sergeant Gene Hsieh of the Richmond RCMP Major Crimes Unit.

Investigators from the Richmond RCMP Major Crimes Unit and Delta Police have yet to release specific details of the incidents, including the amounts of cryptocurrency involved, except to say they are significant amounts. Investigations are still ongoing.

An arrest has been made in one of the cases under investigation and charges are recommended. “Police have not yet confirmed whether these incidents are related, however, a discernable pattern of operation, or modus operandi (MO), appears to be emerging,” the statement said.

In all of the incidents reported so far, the suspects posed as delivery people or “persons of authority” to gain access to the victim’s home. Once inside, the suspects robbed the victims of information that allowed them to access their cryptocurrency accounts.

“The suspects appear to know that the victims are heavily invested in cryptocurrency, know where they live, and rob them from their homes,” said Staff Sgt. Jill Long of Delta Police Investigative Services.

The public warning was issued to try to help prevent future thefts and to encourage victims who have not yet reported such an incident to the police to come forward.

“If you or someone you know has been the victim of one of these robberies, please call the police,” the Staff Sergeant said. Long. “You may have important information that can help our investigators.”

The alert also included precautions investors can take to avoid becoming the next victim of these perpetrators.

Recommendations include not allowing a delivery person or person claiming to be in authority who shows up unannounced to enter the house; keep valuables and financial information in a safe place, such as a safe at a financial institution; discuss financial matters only with people you trust, and never discuss them in public places where you can be overheard or post them on social media; and exercise caution and research thoroughly before investing or selecting a broker.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. This is not a solicitation to trade commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article accept no responsibility for loss and/or damage resulting from the use of this publication.

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