Kidnappers demand $10 million worth Monero as ransom in Norway

Popular privacy coin, Monero [XMR], is known to be one of favourite cryptos among the cybercriminals. In fact, a recent research shows nearly $57 million worth XMR has been lost to illicit Monero mining. Not just that, now it’s hitting the headlines as not just cybercriminals even kidnappers are demanding Monero as ransom.

Yes, you read it right. Kidnappers demanded nine million euros [$10 million] in the cryptocurrency, Monero after abducting Anne-Elisabeth Falkevik Hagen, wife of one of the richest men in Norway, Tom Hagen. She went missing since October 31, 2018, according to the local newspaper VG.

Reportedly, police have been working on the case for a long time and is one of the top secret operations. Mainly because of the safety of Falkevik Hagen. Just recently, the police went public about the case to receive more information related to it. Police believe that the kidnapping took place at Falkevik Hagen’s house.

According to a Police Inspector investigating the case stated that their main aim is to find her “alive and reunite her with the family”. He added, “There has been demand for ransom, and serious threats have been made in this case. As things now stand, we advise the family not to pay.”

The amount the kidnappers asked for is around 1% of Monero’s entire marketcap, Reddit user, Joaeahina pointed out. The user wrote, “That’s 1% of Monero’s entire marketcap. I hope the kidnappers get caught (not through blockchain analysis but through traditional police work).”

Another Reddit user, Zenb0y said, “Bitcoin survived silkroad publicity, Monero will survive this kind of happenings. Actually criminals are always early adopters of technology to stay ahead. Look at minicalls, mobile phones, internet etc. Hope they get caught and that the victim will be in good health!”

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