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In a shocking incident that underscores the growing risks associated with cryptocurrency ownership, an American tourist visiting London on a brief layover claims he was drugged and robbed by a fake Uber driver, losing approximately $123,000 in Bitcoin and XRP in the process.
Crypto Investor Targeted After Night Out in London
Jacob Irwin-Cline, a 30-year-old former software developer and crypto investor from Portland, Oregon, was in London visiting his parents when the incident occurred on May 9. After a night out at The Roxy nightclub in Soho, Jacob ordered an Uber via the app around 1:30 a.m.
He was approached by a man in a dark sedan who appeared to match the profile of the Uber driver shown in the app and even called out Jacob’s Uber alias. However, the car was not the Toyota Prius listed in the app.
Despite the discrepancy, Jacob entered the vehicle. He later accepted a cigarette from the driver, after which he began to feel disoriented and lightheaded. He believes the cigarette was laced with scopolamine—also known as “Devil’s Breath”—a dangerous substance known to cause blackouts and memory loss.
A Chilling Ordeal Unfolds
According to Jacob, he soon entered a semi-conscious state. During this time, the driver allegedly requested access to his phone and obtained his passcode. Not long after, Jacob said he was forced out of the vehicle and was even partially struck by the car as the driver fled the scene with his phone.
He managed to make his way back to his hostel with help from a bystander. There, he discovered that his laptop had been remotely wiped, and he had been locked out of all his digital accounts, including access to his crypto wallets.
With assistance from a flatmate back in the United States, Jacob eventually regained access to his accounts—only to find that over $123,000 in cryptocurrency had been drained from his wallets. This included approximately $73,000 in XRP and $50,000 in Bitcoin.
Screenshots shared with MyLondon revealed that his XRP wallet balance had dropped to under $1,000, and his Bitcoin wallet had been reduced to just $10.
Police and FBI Investigations
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they received a report of the incident at 4:48 a.m. on May 9. A 30-year-old man reported being robbed of his phone in Prince’s Square after a suspicious taxi ride. The police also noted the alleged theft of roughly $150,000 in crypto assets.
The incident has been reported to the UK’s Action Fraud, and Uber has its own investigation, calling the experience “totally unacceptable.” The company said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and emphasized its commitment to rider safety.
In the U.S., the FBI’s Virtual Assets Unit is also looking into the case. However, Jacob remains skeptical about the chances of recovering his stolen funds, saying there’s “less than one percent chance” of getting the money back.
A Wake-Up Call for Crypto Investors
Jacob described the ordeal as traumatizing, stating that he couldn’t sleep for three days following the incident. More than just a financial loss, he said the event has left him shaken, both emotionally and mentally.
“This was everything I owned,” he told reporters. “I trusted the app, I trusted the system. I never thought something like this could happen in a city like London.”
The case highlights not only the security vulnerabilities that can come with carrying large amounts of crypto but also the increasing sophistication of criminals who are now targeting tech-savvy individuals in urban centers.
Safety Measures for Crypto Holders
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of personal security, particularly for cryptocurrency investors who may be seen as high-value targets. Experts recommend several precautionary steps:
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Enable multi-factor authentication for all digital accounts
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Avoid storing crypto wallet access on cloud-synced devices
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Use hardware wallets for large crypto holdings
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Be cautious of unsolicited interactions, especially while traveling
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Report any suspicious behavior to local authorities immediately
Final Thoughts
As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies become more mainstream, investors must stay vigilant against increasingly advanced forms of theft. Jacob’s story is a sobering reminder of the very real risks that exist—even in modern, well-connected cities like London.
Whether this leads to greater enforcement or new security features from ride-hailing and financial apps remains to be seen. But for now, trusting technology without verification can come at a steep cost.
