A high-profile tech investor’s home in San Francisco was the target of a shocking $11 million cryptocurrency heist over the weekend, according to police sources and individuals familiar with the victim’s past relationship with ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman.
The perpetrator, disguised as a delivery worker, arrived at the residence on Dorland Street carrying a white box and claiming to have a package for “Joshua,” the victim of the robbery. After gaining entry into the home under false pretenses, the thief brandished a gun, tied up the resident with duct tape, and proceeded to empty his cryptocurrency accounts, stealing his phone and laptop in the process.
The stolen funds amounted to $11 million in Ethereum and Bitcoin, leading authorities to suspect that the crime was orchestrated by an organized crime group. The victim was subjected to physical assault and coercion, with the assailant obtaining personal information about him through a phone call with accomplices while draining his crypto wallets.
The homeowner, identified as Lachy Groom, is a 31-year-old venture capitalist and former partner of Sam Altman. Groom, who purchased the property from Altman’s brother in 2021, has been involved in various tech investments alongside Altman and has been praised for his entrepreneurial success in Australia.
The incident has sparked concern within the tech community, with prominent figures like Garry Tan urging the public to assist in identifying the suspect. Tan emphasized the importance of secure cryptocurrency storage, citing the increasing risk of kidnappings targeting individuals with significant crypto holdings.
As the investigation into the robbery continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The rise in cryptocurrency-related crimes underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect investors and prevent further incidents of this nature.
