IPOH: Police are trying to identify those behind the transfer of about RM12.47 million in cryptocurrency out of a man's digital wallet without his knowledge or authorisation.
Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the 38-year-old realised the assets were missing at about 1pm on Friday, Oct 9, while he was in the Teluk Intan area.
A preliminary check established that the transfer had taken place through a blockchain network, the digital ledger used to record cryptocurrency transactions.
That finding identifies the channel through which the assets moved. It does not explain how anyone gained access to the wallet in the first place.
The identity of whoever controls the receiving address has also not been detailed in the investigation findings announced so far.
The investigation is being assisted by the Crypto Unit of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department at Bukit Aman, which is tracing the movement of the assets through transaction records and identifying parties who may be connected to the case.
The case has been opened under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries imprisonment of between one and 10 years, whipping and a fine on conviction.
The type of cryptocurrency involved and the wallet platform used have not been stated.
Mohd Alwi urged holders of digital assets to be more wary of phishing attempts, suspicious links and requests to disclose recovery phrases, private keys or wallet passwords.
Users were also advised to check their transaction records regularly, strengthen account security and act immediately if they suspect unauthorised access.
Police have not announced any arrests, how much of the assets has been recovered, or any final determination of how access to the wallet was obtained.
The investigation is continuing.
← Kembali ke halaman utama