Key takeaways:
- Robert Barr, while in Scotland’s Saughton prison, allegedly led a gang that wanted to attack cryptocurrency owners.
- To do this, he used an illegally owned mobile phone and instant messengers.
- The criminals’ target was an investor with assets worth over USD 2.6 million.
A cybercriminal wanted to steal cryptocurrencies while in prison
But how did he do all this while in prison? Let’s start with the fact that he was serving a prison sentence for previous frauds. However, he hid an illegally obtained mobile phone in his cell and thanks to this, in January 2024, he organized the first “remote” house break-in. Later, in April, he tried to organize a second such burglary at the same property. The target was an unnamed local cryptocurrency entrepreneur who co-founded a startup and had been investing in cryptocurrencies since 2014.
Barr allegedly estimated the value of his victim’s assets at over $2.6 million (£2 million), including $1.32 million in the form of a self-created token. During the first hack – the one committed in January – criminals stole a physical hardware wallet. The problem was that they did not know the PIN or seed phrase that would allow the funds to be sent to their address on the blockchain. Therefore, in April they carried out a second attack attempt. Their incarcerated boss instructed them how to remotely access the victim’s computers using remote desktop software.
When they are at his house, they will have to quickly connect it to his computer and quickly download AnyDesk
– Barr wrote to one of his colleagues via instant messaging (this is according to documents presented by prosecutors). He himself was to join the operation via Telegram to help the burglars transfer funds.
Second and final attempt
The second attempt, however, also ended in failure, because the owner of the house noticed two men and told his wife not to open the door. When the woman spoke through the video intercom application, the criminals noticed the camera, tried to cover their faces and eventually escaped.
It wasn’t until June 25, 2024, that authorities seized Barr’s illegal phone. Forensic analysis revealed extensive evidence that he organized and provided technical support to his gang members. And this despite the fact that he had a perfect alibi – he was in prison!
An accomplice, Sean Favier, also pleaded guilty. Judge Lord Cubie deferred sentencing the offenders until reports about their backgrounds were obtained. Both remain in pre-trial detention.
