"In the case of the TMZ letter, the outlet did not reveal the Bitcoin address-a term that describes a long string of random letters and numbers similar to a bank account-but confirmed it was a genuine address on the blockchain. The outlet said that the note had a deadline for the ransom, as well as details of an item damaged at the victim's Tucson-area home. The blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis did not speculate on the legitimacy of the letters."
"It did, however, mention that physical crimes involving crypto have gone up. "There has been a disturbing rise in physical coercion attacks and kidnapping, in which criminals use violence to force victims or their families to transfer assets," said a Chainalysis spokesperson in a note to Fortune. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday and is believed to have been taken from her home against her will."
"There was blood inside the home, according to the Los Angeles Times, and there were signs of forced entry at the home, according to the Associated Press. The 84 year-old was last seen on Saturday night after family members dropped her off at home following a dinner. Her relatives checked her home the following day after being told that she did not arrive at church."
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on Sunday and is believed to have been taken from her Tucson-area home against her will. TMZ and Arizona CBS-affiliate KOLD reported receiving ransom letters demanding millions of dollars to be paid in Bitcoin. TMZ confirmed the Bitcoin address was genuine on the blockchain and said the note included a ransom deadline and details of an item damaged at the Tucson-area home. Pima County Sheriff said he was 'absolutely not' dismissing the claims, and the sheriff's office said it was taking all leads seriously. Chainalysis noted a rise in physical coercion attacks and kidnapping involving crypto. Relatives last saw Nancy after family dropped her off following dinner; authorities reported blood and signs of forced entry at the home.
Read at Fortune
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]