Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-01294
The gang ultimately drained approximately $2 million from the family's accounts
BlockedCase description
On the evening of 27 April 2024, four masked attackers disguised as Canada Post delivery workers gained entry to the Port Moody, British Columbia home of a Bitcoin investor who had publicly boasted about his cryptocurrency success within the local Chinese community. The family—a husband, wife, and teenage daughter—were restrained with zip ties. Over a 13-hour ordeal, the father was waterboarded, stripped, and repeatedly beaten while the attackers demanded 200 Bitcoin (approximately $26 million at the time). The gang ultimately drained approximately $2 million (30 BTC) from the family's accounts before departing. The daughter escaped through a rear door the following morning and called police.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Physical coercion |
| Custody system | Hardware wallet (single key) |
| Outcome | Blocked |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2024 |
| Country | Canada |
Structural dependencies observed
What this illustrates
Access required in-person verification that couldn't be arranged under the circumstances. Access was not recoverable.
Outcome interpretation
Access was not possible under the reported conditions.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
News article
Related cases involving physical coercion
105 cases involve physical coercion
274 cases involve hardware wallet (single key)
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This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents.
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Framework references
Where Bitcoin Custody Intersects Legal and Fiduciary Authority
Where custody creates gaps in estate planning, fiduciary duty, and professional responsibility.
Professional Scope Boundary Matrix
What each professional or product covers, what they do not, and where gaps form between them.
The Independent Assessment Layer in Bitcoin Custody
How independent diagnostic layers emerge when multiple parties depend on shared infrastructure.