Crypto fraudsters steal 440,000 euros worth of Rolex watches | News
According to the Helsinki police, two suspects are in custody in connection with the crime.
The Helsinki police are investigating suspected fraud related to four watches, the value of which is estimated at 440,000 euros.
The owner of Rolex watches, a luxury watch dealer, said that he had agreed to sell luxury goods to a restaurant in Helsinki last April. The transaction was supposed to be carried out in cryptocurrency with a bitcoin transfer.
“The crime suspects misled the owner by assuring them that the payment had been made before handing over the watches. The suspects were able to manipulate cryptocurrency blockchain functions,” Inspector General and Director of Investigation Teemu Haapala said in a statement.
The police have arrested two suspects for the crime committed at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport on April 8, who have been detained during the investigation.
The suspects had previously bought a Rolex watch from the same seller earlier in March. The transaction was made with bitcoin as agreed.
According to the police, not all suspects have been reached yet.
However, two of the stolen watches have been found and returned to the owner. The preliminary investigation also led to the confiscation of cryptocurrency worth around 136,000 euros.
“We want to remind people that in all matters, all parties must ensure that the payment is completed successfully. Similarly, buyers must check the characteristics of the product they are buying. The more valuable the product, the more cautious the contract should be,” said Haapala.
The police announced that they will file charges against the two detainees after the preliminary investigation is completed.