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Crime And Technology

All articles tagged with #crime and technology

Cologne Police Seize Robot After Alleged Sexual Assault of Teen

German authorities in Cologne have launched an investigation into two teenagers, aged 16 and 19, after a humanoid robot allegedly groped a 16-year-old girl in a public square. Police seized the 120cm tall device, which was dressed in a white vest and gold chain, along with two mobile phones. The suspects are believed to have streamed the incident live on social media. The investigation is currently focused on determining whether the robot was remotely controlled or programmed to act autonomously, a distinction that will likely dictate the legal charges applied.

via BBC|

#cologne #crime-and-technology #german-police

crime-and-technology13 days ago•13 min saved

Trading Card Collector Convicted for $50M Crypto Heist

Jonathan Spalletta, a Maryland-based cybersecurity consultant, was convicted by a New York jury of computer fraud and money laundering for stealing over $50 million from the defunct crypto platform Uranium Finance. The trial revealed that Spalletta exploited smart contract vulnerabilities in 2021 to drain liquidity pools, causing the platform to collapse. He subsequently laundered the stolen funds through complex transactions and spent millions on rare Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering cards, antique Roman coins, and a piece of fabric from the Wright brothers' airplane. Authorities seized approximately $31 million in cryptocurrency in 2025. Spalletta faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for February 2027.

via Gizmodo|

#collectibles #crime-and-technology #cryptocurrency

crime-and-technology1 month ago•4 min saved

Singaporean Teen Pleads Guilty in $245M Bitcoin Heist, Forfeits Luxury Fleet

Malone Lam, a 22-year-old Singaporean citizen, has pleaded guilty to racketeering charges for leading a global cryptocurrency theft scheme that stole over $245 million in Bitcoin. The operation, which began in late 2023, involved social engineering tactics to trick victims into surrendering digital keys. Lam and his co-conspirators spent the proceeds on a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars and high-end nightclub visits, before being arrested in Miami in September 2025. Under the plea agreement, Lam must forfeit his fleet of exotic vehicles to a victim restitution fund, though much of the stolen funds remain untraceable. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

via nytimes.com|

#asset-forfeiture #crime-and-technology #cryptocurrency-fraud

crime-and-technology2 years ago•4 min saved

"Hidden AirTags: A New Tool for Vehicle Theft in Montreal and Beyond"

Thieves in Montreal are using Apple's AirTags to track and steal vehicles, prompting warnings from police in Burlington, Vermont. Travelers returning from Canada have found AirTags in their vehicles, and there's concern that the devices are being used for criminal activities such as car theft and drug trafficking. However, there are safety features in place to alert owners if an AirTag is not within proximity, and both iPhone and Android users can detect unknown Bluetooth trackers, including AirTags.

via MacRumors|

#airtags #apple #burlington

crime-and-technology2 years ago•1 min saved

"Tesla Employees Allegedly Stole Battery Secrets to Launch Rival Company"

Two men are accused of stealing battery manufacturing technology from Tesla and starting a business in China to sell the proprietary information. Klaus Pflugbeil, a Canadian citizen, was arrested on Long Island, while Yilong Shao remains at large. They are charged with conspiracy to transmit trade secrets, which carries up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The technology involves high-speed battery assembly lines owned by Tesla, and the defendants are accused of setting up a company in China and selling products developed with the stolen trade secrets.

via The Associated Press|

#battery-manufacturing #china #conspiracy

crime-and-technology2 years ago•1 min saved

"Security Researcher Arrested for $2.5 Million Apple Scam"

A San Francisco man, Noah Roskin-Frazee, has been charged with defrauding Apple of $2.5 million worth of gift cards and products. He was acknowledged in an Apple security update following his arrest, although the reason for this acknowledgment is unclear. Roskin-Frazee, a security researcher, and a co-defendant are accused of using a password reset function to break into an employee's account and manipulate orders for gift cards and devices, ultimately obtaining $2.5 million in products, services, and gift cards.

via Business Insider|

#apple #crime-and-technology #fraud

crime-and-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Manhattan DA Urges Tougher Anti-Fraud Measures for Cash Apps"

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is urging digital payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App to enhance consumer protections due to a surge in financial app thefts in New York City. He has requested features such as secondary passwords, lower daily transfer limits, and enhanced monitoring to deter scammers and safeguard users' money. Bragg sent letters to the CEOs of these companies and emphasized the need for common-sense solutions to combat fraudulent schemes exploiting victims' digital payment apps. The companies, including Cash App, PayPal (owner of Venmo), and Early Warning Services (operator of Zelle), have expressed their commitment to building trust and ensuring the safety of their platforms.

via Fox Business|

#alvin-bragg #consumer-protection #crime-and-technology

crime-and-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Rise in Cyber Kidnapping: Students Staged Abductions and Real Rescues Unfold"

A 17-year-old Chinese exchange student, Kai Zhang, was found in Utah after being the victim of a "cyber kidnapping" scam, where his parents paid $80,000 in ransom. This incident is part of a larger trend targeting Chinese students abroad, exploiting fears of deportation and visa issues. Authorities note an increase in cybercrime and human trafficking in Southeast Asia, with criminals using AI to enhance scams, including voice cloning. The case highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the vulnerabilities of international students.

via Semafor|

##artificialintelligence #chinesestudents