Devcon Could Suffer Attendance Setback after Viacheslav Leibov Suffered Coerced $250k USDT Loss

Viacheslav Leibov, a 23-year-old Ukrainian man, reported a harrowing ordeal to the Kamala police station in Phuket Thailand, higlighted how he was kidnapped and released only after transferring about 250k USDT to the armed robbers.

He said an 18-year-old Ukrainian named Alfred Chernyshuk lured him to a friend’s room on Friday evening. At the entrance, a 21-year-old Armenian man named Arman Grigoryan greeted him and led him into the room.

Thailand’s vibrant tourist destinations have captivated visitors, but a chilling tale of robbery and intimidation has overshadowed the allure, raising concerns about the safety of travelers, especially during large international events like the annual Ethereum conference, Devcon.

Viacheslav Leibov Robbery Incident Details

What began as a casual visit turned into a nightmare. On the balcony, two men with concealed faces confronted Leibov when he entered the restroom. They bound his limbs with ropes and cable ties, brandishing a hammer and a long knife. Grigoryan demanded a ransom of 500,000 USDT (approximately 8.56 million baht), threatening to break Leibov’s fingers if he refused.

Negotiating with his captors, Leibov managed to secure a reduced ransom. After transferring the requested amount, he was tied to a bed and warned against reporting the crime. The gang then departed, leaving the traumatized victim to free himself.

Leibov, shaken and fearful, rushed to Phuket airport but failed to spot any of the suspects. He immediately filed a report with the Kamala police station, detailing the terrifying incident.

The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many users expressing their anxieties about the safety of Bangkok, particularly during large conferences. One Twitter user exclaimed, “Bangkok is not safe at all, all conferences should be done in Dubai only.”

Ethereum Conference Devcon 2024 Kick Off

Excitement is buzzing among Web3 and blockchain enthusiasts as Devcon, “the Ethereum conference for developers, thinkers, and makers,” prepares to launch. Taking place from November 12 to 15, Devcon Southeast Asia 2024 promises to be a landmark event for blockchain, Web3, and artificial intelligence, bringing global developers, innovators, and enthusiasts to the vibrant and dynamic backdrop of Bangkok, Thailand.

Alongside Devcon’s packed schedule, attendees will find plenty of networking events, parties, and exclusive gatherings throughout the city.