Bonkers Bitcoin heist: 5-star hotels, cash-filled envelopes, vanishing funds

Kent Halliburton found himself in a striking scenario at the luxurious Rosewood Hotel in Amsterdam. Thousands of miles from his base in Peru, he held an envelope packed with €10,000 in fresh banknotes, triggering a whirlwind of thoughts about the unusual circumstances he had entered. As the co-founder and CEO of Sazmining, a company specializing in bitcoin mining services, Halliburton had traveled to the Dutch capital for a crucial meeting. He was set to negotiate a significant deal with representatives from a wealthy Monaco family. The family office was interested in purchasing hundreds of bitcoin mining rigs worth approximately $4 million, which Sazmining would install in a new facility in Ethiopia. Upon arriving at the hotel, Halliburton encountered Even and Maxim, the two representatives he was to meet. Their appearance and demeanor screamed affluence, particularly Maxim, who donned a stylish three-piece suit and boasted a meticulously groomed appearance, complete with a Rolex peeking from his cuff. The trio shared a lavish three-course lunch, where they discussed the intricacies of the impending deal and exchanged personal anecdotes. Even was lively and engaging, regaling Halliburton with tales from extravagant parties held in Marrakech. In contrast, Maxim’s demeanor was more reserved, as he silently scrutinized Halliburton. In a surprising twist meant to build rapport, Even suggested Halliburton sell the family office around $3,000 in bitcoin. Although initially reluctant, Halliburton decided to go along with the unusual request, likening the experience to a scene from a James Bond film. Maxim discreetly handed him the envelope filled with cash and instructed him to count it privately in the bathroom, enhancing the air of intrigue surrounding this high-stakes meeting.