A shocking crypto scam has left Raivo Plavnieks, a 26-year-old streamer battling stage-four sarcoma, devastated after losing $32,000 meant for his medical treatment. Open-source investigators have now reported the scammer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after uncovering the details behind this digital heist.
Plavnieks, a self-proclaimed “crypto degen,” had been raising funds for his treatment through a specialized crypto token called CANCER. The token, designed to support his medical expenses, had reached a market value of $2.5 million, with Plavnieks earning $46,000 in creator rewards. He described his cancer as “growing faster than a shitcoin pump,” showing his humor and determination despite a life-threatening illness.
The scam began when Plavnieks was invited to play a Steam game called “Block Blasters.” The game promised financial rewards for playing, but it was rigged with malware. Once installed, it drained $32,000 from Plavnieks’ crypto rewards, leaving him without the funds he had been relying on for his cancer treatment. The loss was particularly devastating given that the funds were intended for urgent medical care.
How Raivo Plavnieks Was Targeted by the Scam
Cybersecurity experts and open-source intelligence sleuths, including VX-Underground and ZachXBT, quickly launched an investigation into the incident. VX-Underground downloaded the game and uncovered its malicious infrastructure. Their research revealed that Block Blasters had targeted 907 victims, showing the scam was widespread and carefully orchestrated.
Investigators were able to uncover the attackers’ Telegram credentials, which helped them identify those behind the scam. One of the attackers was reported to be an Argentine living in the U.S., known for flaunting sports cars and creating flashy TikTok videos. Experts noted that the attackers had no remorse and had lied about returning the stolen funds.
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The coordinated efforts of multiple online sleuths were crucial. By sharing information, tracing digital footprints, and analyzing the malware, they were able to gather sufficient evidence to report the scammer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), bringing attention to a crime that affected hundreds of people.
Support from the Crypto Community and Platform Response
Despite the loss, the crypto community rallied around Plavnieks, helping him recover a significant portion of his stolen funds. Donations have allowed him to focus on treatment and regain stability, with plans to return to livestreaming after some rest. The community’s response underscores the solidarity often seen in cryptocurrency networks when individuals face unfair attacks.
Steam eventually removed Block Blasters after hundreds of reports from users. However, security software G Data CyberDefense had flagged the malware a week earlier, raising concerns about Steam’s developer vetting process. Experts criticized the platform’s oversight as “appalling” and “incompetent,” noting that the malware had been active for more than a month before it was taken down.
A joint report from VX-Underground, ZachXBT, and other cybersecurity analysts highlighted the attackers’ lack of accountability and praised the online community for exposing the scam. The report emphasized that the perpetrators would face consequences once law enforcement acts.
Plavnieks’ GoFundMe has already raised over $14,000, bringing him closer to the total needed for his treatment. The story has generated widespread outrage online, as people react to the audacity of targeting a vulnerable individual fighting for their life.
This incident highlights the dangers of cryptocurrency scams, particularly for vulnerable individuals relying on digital platforms to fund urgent needs. It also demonstrates the critical role of online investigators in uncovering cybercrime and helping victims recover their funds.