Knifepoint Robbery Hits Ethereum Devcon Attendee Just 90 Minutes After Arriving in Thailand

Robbery Strikes Crypto Community Days Before Devcon 7

Just days before the much-anticipated Devcon conference, Rooch Network co-founder Haichao Zhu was robbed at knifepoint by two assailants in Bangkok.

This alarming incident has raised concerns within the crypto community, which has recently seen a troubling string of security breaches at major industry gatherings.

A Late-Night Attack in Bangkok

The robbery took place at 4.30am local time, shortly after Haichao arrived in Bangkok following a late-night flight.

Travelling alone, he was approached by the two attackers who demanded his possessions.

Although he was fortunate enough to escape without physical injuries, the assailants made off with his phone.

Zhu took to social media to share his experience, cautioning others about the risks of travelling alone at night in the bustling Thai capital.

Through his X account, he advised:

“Generally speaking Bangkok is still a safe and fun place but just like all other places, you gotta watch out for the darkness.”

A Pattern of Violence at Crypto Events

Haichao’s experience is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of violence affecting participants in the cryptocurrency sphere.

Earlier this year, during the Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC) in Brussels, multiple attendees reported being involved in violent encounters.

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Rishant Kumar, who heads growth at Kilt Protocol, defended himself bravely against an attacker close to the conference venue.

Additionally, another attendee suffered a knee injury during a separate robbery.

Perhaps most disturbingly, one individual had a gun pointed at them during a robbery at EthCC, highlighting the escalating danger that attendees face at these events.

Upcoming Devcon 7 Draws Significant Attention

With the Ethereum community gearing up for Devcon 7, scheduled for 12-15 November 2024 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the urgency for increased safety measures is palpable.

The event is expected to attract thousands of developers, industry leaders, and notable figures such as Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and Ethereum Foundation executive director Aya Miyaguchi.

As anticipation builds, so too does concern for the safety of those attending.

The unsettling incidents in Bangkok and Brussels have raised questions about personal safety and security protocols at crypto conferences.

As attendees prepare for an event that promises to be significant for the Ethereum community, the ongoing risks cannot be ignored, urging participants to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.