- Authorities in Jasper County, Texas, have cut open a Bitcoin ATM to recover money from a scam
- Police secured around $31,900, including $25,000 lost by one family
- Sheriff Chuck Havard has defended the operation, which some have criticized
A Texas sheriff’s office took a Bitcoin theft literally into its own hands recently and cut into a Bitcoin ATM in order to retrieve $25,000. Police used a grinding tool to break into the machine and secure the funds, which were reported as stolen through a scam by a Jasper County family. Deputies obtained a search warrant, accessed the kiosk in nearby Hardin County, and retrieved roughly $31,900 in cash held inside. While some have praised the action of the police, others noted that the ATM owner is the one who has ultimately suffered from their actions.
Family Scammed Out of $25,000
The incident dates back to June 16, when deputies responded to a Jasper County home after the family reported being duped in a government impersonation call demanding $25,000 in fines. The scammer directed them to deposit the money via a Bitcoin ATM located in a Hardin County grocery store; the Bitcoin went to the scammers’ wallet, while the cash sat in the machine.
After gathering evidence, authorities obtained a search warrant, cut open the machine’s casing with power tools, and discovered $31,900 in cash, including the family’s $25,000, which technically belonged to the operator, which had funded the Bitcoin purchase. The cash was secured as evidence as police continued to quiz the family about the events that led to the transaction, posting about the event on Facebook:
Sheriff’s Office Comes in for Criticism
Sheriff Chuck Havard spoke forcefully when defending the operation:
When thieves, low-lifes and scammers attempt to take advantage of the citizens of Jasper County, we will work swiftly and utilize every resource at our disposal to protect our citizens and their property at all costs.
While such sentiments are, indeed, laudable, it can’t be ignored that the money taken technically belonged to Bitcoin Depot, which had funded the deal. There was also the issue of private property being raided in such a way, which was picked up on in the comments:
Sounds like maybe government employees destroyed an innocent third party’s property and stole his money.
The money has been returned to Jasper County pending a seizure hearing, though tracking down the scammer remains ongoing.
This action represents an escalation in America’s battle with crypto ATMs, which has seen them banned in some cities while others have attempted to impose transaction limits to curb illicit activity.
