The RCMP logo is seen outside the force's 'E' division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on Thursday, March 16, 2023. Police in Richmond and Delta, B.C., are warning the public of a trend of high-value cryptocurrency investors being targeted for home invasions by thieves. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
RICHMOND, B.C. – Police in Richmond and Delta, B.C., are warning the public of a disturbing trend of high-value cryptocurrency investors being targeted for home invasions.
Richmond RCMP and Delta Police say they have responded to several calls of reported robberies in the homes of cryptocurrency investors over the past year.
Staff Sgt. Gene Hsieh with Richmond RCMP major crimes says police are issuing the warning to the public because the robberies appear to be aimed at high-value cryptocurrency investors.
Investigators say they have made an arrest in one case, and are working to confirm if the robberies are related.
Mounties and the Delta Police say the culprits in each case have posed as delivery people or “persons of authority” to gain access to victims’ homes where they rob people of the information needed to access cryptocurrency accounts.
Police say they’re not releasing details of any of the incidents or the amounts of cryptocurrency involved because their investigations are ongoing.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2023.
