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Fake Uber Driver Arrested in $300,000 Cryptocurrency Theft Scheme in Arizona
An Arizona man has been arrested for allegedly stealing $300,000 worth of cryptocurrency by posing as a legitimate Uber driver. Nuruhussein Hussein is facing multiple charges after authorities say he targeted two separate victims in March and October 2023.
According to police reports, Hussein gained the trust of his passengers by addressing them by name, despite not knowing their personal information beforehand. He then asked to borrow their phones, claiming his own device wasn’t working properly or needed troubleshooting assistance. Once granted access, Hussein allegedly transferred cryptocurrency from their Coinbase accounts and threatened one victim when they asked for their phone back.
The Scottsdale Police Department collaborated with the U.S. Secret Service to apprehend Hussein on December 11. He was subsequently arrested and charged with theft, fraud, and money laundering.
Hussein’s scheme relies heavily on quick access to his victims’ phones and knowledge of cryptocurrency trading platforms. This suggests a level of preparation and understanding of both rideshare services and digital currency operations.
This case highlights the growing issue of offline cryptocurrency theft, where criminals adapt traditional methods to target digital assets. According to data from GitHub, there have been 19 documented cases of in-person crypto robbery worldwide in the past year, representing an increase from 17 cases in 2023.
The increasing trend of such crimes has prompted law enforcement agencies to evolve their response and collaborate with other authorities to combat these hybrid offenses that bridge digital and physical theft. The involvement of multiple agencies in Hussein’s case demonstrates the severity with which cryptocurrency-related crimes are being treated.
Authorities are currently working to trace the stolen cryptocurrency and identify any potential additional victims. They encourage anyone who may have had a similar experience to come forward and report any suspicious activity.
The W Hotel in Arizona, where the alleged theft took place, has also been implicated in this case.
Source: blockonomi.com
