On August 19, 2024, cybercriminals stole 4,064 bitcoins (valued at $243 million) from a single victim through a sophisticated social engineering attack, impersonating Google and Gemini support staff and using AnyDesk remote desktop software to obtain private keys. ZachXBT, an independent crypto detective, identified the three main perpetrators: Malone Lam (Greavys), Veer Chetal (Wiz), and Jeandiel Serrano (Box), who attempted to launder the stolen funds through platforms including eXch and Thorswap.
Following digital breadcrumbs that included screen-sharing recordings, Discord and Instagram posts, and open-source intelligence (OSINT), investigators determined that the suspects betrayed themselves through their lavish lifestyle – Lam purchased more than 10 luxury cars and spent between $250,000-$500,000 per night at clubs in Los Angeles and Miami. During the investigation, authorities uncovered that the perpetrators were members of an online criminal community called "the Com," who initially connected on Minecraft servers and consist primarily of young men involved in various cybercrimes, including SIM swap fraud and cryptocurrency theft.
On September 18, 2024, authorities arrested Lam in Miami at a waterfront property he was renting for $68,000 per month, while Serrano was apprehended at Los Angeles airport returning from the Maldives – the latter wearing a $500,000 watch at the time of his arrest. Through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the Binance security team, approximately $79 million of the stolen funds have been seized or frozen to date, while the suspects, facing money laundering and fraud charges, could receive up to 20 years in prison.
Sources:
1.
Andy Greenberg
2.
3.
Authorities arrested two suspects over the $243 million theft of 4 064 BTC via social-engineering, involving suspects codenamed Greavys and Box :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
