The FBI announced on Wednesday that it had arrested 28-year-old Rikesh Thapa for stealing funds in the form of Bitcoin from his employer. Thapa, who worked at a blockchain firm that was experimenting with cryptocurrencies to diversify its portfolio, had offered to save some company funds in his personal account but later refused to return the money. The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has released an official statement after snapping Thapa from the Southern County of California.
Thapa was accused of stealing over a million dollars, of which $162,216 (approximately Rs 1.33 million) was found wrapped 10 bitcoins. He had worked as the chief technical officer (CTO) at a tech startup called Blockparty.
“As we claim today, the defendant repeatedly stole and defrauded the victims corporation – which he co-founded – in order to fund a luxurious personal lifestyle. He also deleted and falsified records in an attempt to cover up his crimes,” Acting Assistant FBI Director Michael J. Driscoll said in the DoJ official statement.
The stolen amount was allegedly used by the defendants for travel, clubbing and luxury goods purchases, according to the DoJ statement.
Thapa was able to steal BTC because the company he worked for was experimenting cryptocurrencies as a means of diversifying its financial portfolio.
“In August 2018, Thapa diverted at least one bitcoin from the victim company for his own benefit, sold the bitcoin for approximately $6,500 (approximately 5.35 lakh) and deposited the proceeds into his account,” the statement said.
According to the DoJ, Thapa also mistakenly acquired the company’s own utility tokens, but the total number of tokens is not disclosed.
Thapa has been charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
“The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the DoJ added.
US authorities have reiterated that they are closely monitoring the crypto space and are taking swift action to resolve complaints reported by community members.
As early as June, the FBI issued a warning for LinkedIn users from falling victim to crypto scammers out to hunt victims.
