In a shocking turn of events at the opulent Rosewood Hotel in Amsterdam, Kent Halliburton, CEO of Sazmining, found himself amidst a high-stakes cryptocurrency scam. While holding an envelope filled with 10,000 euros in pristine banknotes, he questioned the true nature of the situation he had stepped into.

Sazmining specializes in “mining-as-a-service,” operating bitcoin mining hardware across diverse locations such as Norway, Paraguay, Ethiopia, and the U.S. for international clients. Halliburton had traveled from Peru to meet wealthy Monaco-based financiers, who were interested in purchasing nearly $4 million worth of mining equipment destined for Ethiopia.

However, this seemingly lucrative deal took a dark turn. Instead of a straightforward transaction, Halliburton was lured into a scheme involving cash-filled envelopes and disappearing funds—highlighting the risks of high-value crypto dealings in luxury settings. Experts warn that such scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting the trust built in exclusive environments.

Questions about security and due diligence are crucial when dealing with international crypto transactions, especially in luxury settings where appearances can be deceiving. This case underscores the importance of vigilance in the growing world of digital asset investments.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.