In a distressing turn of events, a Russian actor named Tkachenko fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam. The scammer instructed Tkachenko to deposit an additional 0.5 BTC in order to initiate the withdrawal of Tkachenko’s initial investment. This unfortunate incident came to light through a telegram post by Baza, a prominent Russian online news agency.
Tkachenko’s journey into the world of cryptocurrency investment began in late 2021 when he was introduced to entrepreneur Grigory Muluzyan by a colleague. With hopes of financial gains, Tkachenko placed his trust in Muluzyan by depositing 7.5 BTC into the entrepreneur’s wallet and granting him unfettered access. Initially, the actor received consistent returns, supposedly generated through cryptocurrency trading, amounting to 10% of his monthly income.
However, the seemingly lucrative venture took a turn for the worse months later with profits dwindling. Tkachenko’s first big shock came while filming in Yalta, Crimea, when his access to the account was suddenly blocked, freezing 10 BTC. Muluzyan attributed this setback to a restriction placed on users in Crimea and demanded Tkachenko to deposit an additional 0.5 BTC to unlock the frozen funds.
In the summer of 2022, Tkachenko and his friend were presented with the opportunity to buy shares in Muluzyan’s crypto business for $150,000. However, as the price of Bitcoin plummeted in the following months, Muluzyan advised Tkachenko to sell his coins. It was at this point that Tkachenko realized his investments had vanished, with no returns in sight and the promised cryptocurrency business seeming non-existent. Frustrated, the 41-year-old actor reported the incident to the police, coming to terms with the deception that had cost him approximately $262,000.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in the world of cryptocurrency. While celebrities are often implicated in promoting fraudulent crypto projects, others like Tkachenko find themselves facing similar troubles. Last September, popular American actor Bill Murray fell victim to crypto thieves who stole 119.2 ETH (approximately $185,000) raised during his NFT charity auction.
It is crucial for individuals interested in cryptocurrency investment to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before trusting their funds to any individual or organization. Scammers often prey on the excitement and FOMO (fear of missing out) surrounding cryptocurrencies, making it imperative to approach investment opportunities with skepticism and careful consideration. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, it is vital to stay informed and remain vigilant to protect oneself from potential scams and frauds.