Zimbabwean Eye Specialist Swindled Out of Over US$580K in Cryptocurrency Theft
Renowned Zimbabwean ophthalmologist Dr Solomon Guramatunhu has was left counting his losses after getting swindled out of US$583,660 in a cryptocurrency theft.
The funds were allegedly stolen by a business associate’s wife, who is accused of unlawfully accessing his digital wallet and transferring the money without his consent.
Suspect Remanded in Custody After Court Appearance on Cryptocurrency Theft Charges
The suspect, Melissa Messe Samantha Chiyangwa, appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa on Tuesday, facing charges of theft and unauthorised use of passwords.
She was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
Also Read: ‘US$3 Million in 3 Months’: Harare Businessman Scammed Out of US$20,000 in Bogus Investment Scheme
Theft Unfolded Over Two Years Through Secret Wallet Access
According to court documents seen by The Herald, Dr Guramatunhu initially purchased cryptocurrency in 2020 from a UK-based company while in India.
Upon returning to Zimbabwe, he enlisted the help of Lloyd Chiyangwa, the accused’s husband, to help him set up five digital wallets: Trust Wallet, Exodus, Cosmostation, Wemix, and Metamask.
It is alleged that between October 31, 2021, and January 7, 2024, Melissa Chiyangwa gained unauthorised access to the Metamask wallet and, in connivance with her husband, transferred tokens valued at over US$583,000 to a cryptocurrency platform called Waybit Exchange.
Fraud Discovered After Doctor Tried to Move Funds
The theft only came to light on January 27, 2024, when Dr Guramatunhu attempted to transfer his tokens to another wallet and discovered the funds had vanished.
A subsequent investigation revealed that Melissa Chiyangwa used multiple electronic devices, including an iPhone 14, iPhone 12 Pro, Macintosh, Linux U, and an Android phone, to carry out the transactions.
Authorities suspect the accused is still transferring digital assets to undisclosed destinations using unrecovered communication devices.
The matter is still under investigation, and court proceedings are ongoing.
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The post Zimbabwean Eye Specialist Swindled Out of Over US$580K in Cryptocurrency Theft appeared first on iHarare News.
