- A U.S. tourist has lost over $123,000 in cryptocurrency after being drugged and abducted by a fake Uber driver in London
- The attacker has gained access to the victim’s digital wallet after obtaining his phone passcode
- Police are investigating the incident amid a rise in physical attacks targeting crypto holders across Europe
An American tourist lost more than $123,000 in cryptocurrency after falling victim to a sophisticated scam in London. The attacker, posing as an Uber driver, allegedly drugged the victim with a cigarette laced with scopolamine, obtained his phone passcode, and accessed his digital wallet. Authorities are investigating the incident, which highlights the growing trend of physical attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders.
Drug-laced Cigarette Led to Theft
Jacob Irwin-Cline, a 30-year-old software developer from Portland, Oregon, was on a two-day layover in London when the incident occurred. After a night out at The Roxy nightclub in Soho, he called an Uber around 1:30 AM on May 9. A driver, who appeared to match the profile on his app and called out his name, picked him up. However, the vehicle was a dark sedan, not the Toyota Prius listed on the app.
During the ride, the driver offered Irwin-Cline a cigarette, which he accepted. He began feeling disoriented shortly afterwards and believes the cigarette was laced with scopolamine, a powerful sedative known for causing blackouts and suggestibility. While under the influence, he inadvertently provided his phone’s passcode, allowing the attacker to access his digital wallet.
Metropolitan Police and FBI Investigating
Irwin-Cline was later abandoned in an unfamiliar area of London. With the help of a bystander, he returned to his hostel and discovered that his laptop had been remotely wiped and he was locked out of his digital accounts. With assistance from a flatmate in the U.S., he regained access and found that approximately $123,000 in cryptocurrency had been withdrawn from his wallet, including around $73,000 in XRP and $50,000 in Bitcoin.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they received a report at 4:48 AM on May 9 about the theft. The FBI’s Virtual Assets Unit is also investigating the case, though Irwin-Cline believes there is “less than one percent chance” of recovering the funds. The incident has been reported to Action Fraud and Uber, with the ride-hailing company calling the experience “totally unacceptable” and launching an investigation.
Sign of the Times
This incident is part of a broader trend of physical attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders. Known as “wrench attacks,” these crimes involve cheap, physical threats to force victims to surrender their crypto assets. As cryptocurrency becomes more mainstream, such attacks are becoming more common, highlighting the need for increased awareness and security measures among crypto investors.
Authorities are urging individuals to be cautious when using ride-hailing services and to verify the identity of drivers before entering vehicles. Additionally, they recommend implementing strong security measures for digital wallets, such as two-factor authentication and biometric locks, to prevent unauthorized access in the event of theft or loss.
