On March 3rd, it was reported that former Los Angeles police officer Eric Halem was convicted of kidnapping and robbing a 17-year-old Bitcoin holder. Court documents show that in 2024, Halem, along with three accomplices, disguised themselves as police officers and broke into the victim’s high-rise apartment in Koreatown, stealing a hard drive containing approximately $350,000 worth of Bitcoin. Prosecutors stated that the teenager handed over the hard drive after being threatened, and his girlfriend was also controlled during the incident.
Testimony during the trial revealed that Halem and his accomplices wore vests with police insignia, took the elevator to the 18th floor, and used a password provided by an accomplice to access the apartment. They used handcuffs issued by the Los Angeles Police Department to restrain the victim and his girlfriend, demanding the hard drive. Although the teenager admitted to acquiring cryptocurrency through fraud, this did not affect the robbery charges.
Halem served 13 years with the Los Angeles Police Department before leaving in 2022. At the time of the incident, he was still a reserve officer, operating DriveLA car rental, developing apps for actors, and planning to produce a reality show. The court is scheduled to sentence him on March 31. Other defendants have not yet gone to trial, and prosecutors stated that one of them is linked to the so-called “Israeli Mafia.”
Experts point out that this case highlights the risk of cryptocurrencies becoming targets in real-world crimes and serves as a reminder for investors to securely store digital assets to prevent potential robberies and scams.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Former UK PM Liz Truss Publicly Endorses Bitcoin as Tool Against Currency Debasement
Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss criticized Britain's economic trajectory, citing high taxes and regulations. She advocates for Bitcoin to combat currency debasement and is organizing a conference to promote a movement for sovereignty and freedom.
GateNews5h ago
BTC breaks below 76000 USDT
Gate News bot message, Gate market data shows that BTC has broken below 76000 USDT, current price is 75996.9 USDT.
CryptoRadar6h ago
Goldman Sachs Files Bitcoin Income ETF Using Options Strategy
Goldman Sachs proposed a Bitcoin-focused income ETF that avoids direct Bitcoin holdings, using linked ETFs and options strategies for income. This filing reflects increased competition in the crypto investment space among major firms.
CryptoFrontNews6h ago
Bitcoin ETFs Record $663.9M Inflows, Strongest Day Since Mid-January
Bitcoin ETFs saw $663.9 million in inflows on April 18, indicating renewed institutional confidence and a shift in market sentiment. This trend suggests sustained interest in Bitcoin as investors seek to diversify their portfolios.
GateNews7h ago
Bitcoin Ownership Surpasses Gold Among Americans for the First Time
More Americans now own Bitcoin than gold, highlighting a significant shift in asset preferences as Bitcoin's popularity surges. U.S. entities dominate global Bitcoin holdings, and institutional adoption is accelerating, with major firms entering the market and legislation potentially enhancing Bitcoin's legal status.
GateNews8h ago
Bitcoin Price Outlook Shifts as Iran Toll Demand Revives $1M Target Talk
Iran Bitcoin toll revives debate on crypto as global payment infrastructure
Geopolitical tensions push Bitcoin beyond store-of-value into currency role
Institutional adoption and flows strengthen long-term million-dollar Bitcoin narratives
Bitcoin price outlook has shifted again after fr
CryptoNewsLand8h ago
