XRP Theft Shocks US Tourist After London Abduction

XRP theft has taken on a new and disturbing form, as a US tourist fell victim to a violent cryptocurrency robbery in London that saw over $123,000 of digital assets vanish overnight. The incident has drawn serious concerns over the physical security risks crypto holders now face.

Jacob Irwin-Cline, a 30-year-old software developer from Portland, Oregon, was on a layover in London on May 9 when events spiraled tragically out of control. After spending an evening at The Roxy nightclub in Soho, he attempted to return to his Bayswater hostel around 1:30 AM using a ride-hailing app. Although he booked a proper Uber vehicle, a man impersonating his driver arrived in a different car — a dark-colored sedan instead of the expected Toyota Prius.

The impersonator, capitalizing on the subtle familiarity of the app profile photo, lured Irwin-Cline into the car. During the ride, he allegedly offered him a cigarette believed to have been laced with scopolamine — a potent drug known to disorient and suppress willpower. Moments later, the victim began to fade in and out of consciousness. Amid the disorientation, Irwin-Cline reportedly handed over sensitive information, including access to his crypto accounts, likely under influence and coercion.

The situation escalated when the unidentified assailant accessed Irwin-Cline’s Revolut app, which linked to multiple cryptocurrency wallets. In a matter of hours, approximately $72,000 in XRP and $50,000 in Bitcoin were siphoned off, along with smaller sums in other altcoins. More disturbingly, Irwin-Cline’s devices were thoroughly compromised: his smartphone was physically stolen, and his laptop remotely wiped clean post-theft.

Recalling the terrifying experience, Irwin-Cline mentioned being physically harmed as well. He was forcefully thrown from the vehicle after the robbery and sustained injuries that left him barely able to walk. With the help of his flatmate back in the United States, he attempted to secure his accounts. However, the damage had already been done — the crypto had vanished.

What’s particularly alarming is that Irwin-Cline does not suspect he was targeted specifically. This suggests a growing trend of opportunistic crimes exploiting the vulnerabilities of crypto users. The method matches what are now termed “wrench attacks,” where criminals use brute force instead of hacking to gain access to crypto assets. Authorities from both the Metropolitan Police and the FBI’s cybercrime division are currently investigating the case, though the likelihood of recovering the stolen digital assets remains uncertain.

This incident is not isolated. There’s been an upsurge in similar attacks worldwide, as digital asset adoption grows and holders become more conspicuous. Earlier in the month, an attempted kidnapping unfolded outside a Paris school, targeting the family of a well-known crypto entrepreneur. Armed intruders ambushed the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat in a failed abduction caught on surveillance footage. The attackers later fled, and their weapon was identified as fake.

In another instance, the father of a wealthy crypto investor was kidnapped, and the co-founder of Ledger and his spouse were attacked during a brutal ransom ordeal. These events underscore how cryptocurrencies, while secure online, pose an emerging threat in the real world when ownership becomes publicized.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused

With the widespread use of mobile apps and wallets like Revolut, combined with insufficient privacy protocols, individuals become easy prey for criminals both online and offline. As regulators and exchanges tighten digital security, there is an urgent need for personal safety strategies tailored for crypto holders to prevent such personal tragedies.