In an unsettling incident ahead of Ethereum Devcon 2024, Rooch Network co-founder Haichao Zhu was robbed at knifepoint in Bangkok, Thailand. Zhu, who was on his way to the conference, took to X (formerly Twitter) on November 5 to caution fellow attendees after being targeted in the late-night attack. The assailants stole his phone, leaving him with only a minor scratch but prompting concerns about safety around the event.
Despite spending hours at a local police station, Zhu was disappointed by the lack of progress in the investigation. He urged Devcon attendees to be cautious, particularly at night, noting that "Bangkok is still a safe and fun place... you gotta watch out for the darkness." Zhu’s co-founder, Jole Star, also took to X, advising attendees to avoid walking alone at night and to keep their phones hidden while moving through the city. The Rooch team plans to review nearby surveillance footage, though identifying the assailants may be challenging.
A Pattern of Crypto-Targeted Attacks:
This incident is part of a concerning trend of robberies targeting crypto figures. At the Ethereum Community Conference in Brussels this past July, Kilt Protocol’s head of growth, Rishant Kumar, fended off an attacker and warned of "thugs targeting crypto folks." In August, Israeli tourists were assaulted and forced to relinquish $700,000 worth of Bitcoin. Another tragic case saw a 29-year-old murdered after being coerced to transfer nearly 3 Bitcoins.
Ethereum Devcon 2024: A High-Profile Event:
The Ethereum Devcon, held at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, is the Ethereum Foundation’s premier annual event. High-profile figures like Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, executive director Aya Miyaguchi, and Portugal’s former secretary Bruno Macaes will be attending, further emphasizing the need for heightened security around the gathering.
Conclusion:
As the popularity of cryptocurrencies grows, so does the risk of crime targeting crypto figures. With Ethereum Devcon drawing international attention, Zhu’s experience underscores the importance of vigilance, particularly in unfamiliar environments. Attendees are advised to travel in groups, avoid using phones in public, and remain cautious throughout their stay.
