On-chain investigator, ZachXBT latestly pursued a case of a crypto heist that happened in June 2024 and which involved $4.3 million. The main culprit identified as Faris Ali who goes by the alias of Zay or Tommy is said to have carried out an armed robbery in the UK to rob a victim occasioned by a crypto data breach. The attack was organized involving other individuals dressed as delivery men.
Crypto Heist Organized by Faris Ali
Specifically, the victim posted on the social media platform X on June 18, 2024, and claimed that he had to send $4.3 million worth of crypto to two received addresses at gunpoint. The post also highlighted the fact that at the time of writing, the majority of the stolen funds had not been touched. The report was filed by the victim and was spotted by ZachXBT who then initiated to uncover the scenario.
Faris Ali, the man accused of robbing, engaged in an exchange of dialogue with an associate just a few hours before the robbery and ZachXBT managed to dig up the chat logs.
Two of them said that they would wear the gowns of delivery men as they went near the house of the victim. They said they did this by sharing photos of the victim’s building, the front door, and the final approach when one of them remarked, “We are going now.” The manner in which this robbery was executed thus shows clear plans and premeditated undertaking of the activity.
ZachXBT Uncovers Key Evidence
More so, Faris Ali’s identity paradoxically slipped his mind as he posted the photo of his bail document on Telegram while denying any involvement in any criminal activity, yet evidence proved him otherwise. The ENS domain farisali.eth was created after the robbery; an on-chain message was sent, which strengthened the relationship between Ali and the robbery.
The crypto community can learn from the controversy that was unearthed by ZachXBT. He offered practical advice to prevent such attacks, including:
- Do not speak to anyone about your crypto investments or advertise them on any form of social media.
- Keep track of how personal data is being exposed online frequently.
- Give wrong information when one is asked to disclose irrelevant and unnecessary information.
This case also indicates what has become a worrying trend in Western Europe, with multiple victims of crypto-facilitated home invasions in the past few months. It may thus be that the exposure of Faris Ali shall at least bring justice in this and other such cases.
