Bitcoin Developer Released After $1m Bitcoin Paid to Kidnappers

Submitted by Guest on

Written by :

Guest

Published on :

  • Victim said to be "safe" but 'stressed"
  • Crypto entrepreneur Pavel Learner disappeared this past Tuesday
  • Police confirmed that Learner had been forcibly dragged out to a van by armed individuals
  • Kidnappers make off with $1 million in Bitcoin paid randsom

A male employee of a UK-registered cryptocurrency exchange has been reported ‘safe, but stressed’ following his kidnapping by gunmen and ultimate release following a $1 million randsom, paid out in Bitcoin.

40-year-old Russian programmer and cryptocurrency investor Pavel Lerner disappeared in Kiev on Tuesday.

Police immediately confirmed that the Russian IT expert was seen by witnesses being dragged into a van.  The registration number of that vehicle was released to the public.

An adviser to the Ukrainian interior minister confirmed the release and condition of Learner to Reuters on Friday.

Related Content

Tucson Arizona Set to Get Its First Casino in November

Tucson Arizona Set to Get Its First Casino in November

Casino Del Sol Vahi Taaʼam on Grant Road at I-10 will likely employ as many as 500 people.
USA Soccer (USMNT) Creates Huge Liability for Sportsbooks in North America

USA Soccer (USMNT) Creates Huge Liability for Sportsbooks in North America

While the possibility of a deep World Cup run from the United States would help generate more betting action, there is one sportsbook praying for an early exit for the host country.
Casino chips all different colors, mostly stacked

Sweepstakes Gaming Revenue in the US Reaches $20.09B in Q1 2026 as Player Demand Continues to Shift

Sweepstakes gaming has moved from a niche corner of online gambling into something much more visible in the broader digital entertainment landscape.
New Pennsylvania Proposed Bills Seeks to Prevent Gambling at the Playground, in the Classroom

New Pennsylvania Proposed Bills Seeks to Prevent Gambling at the Playground, in the Classroom

"Pennsylvania has authorized interactive gaming and sports wagering under a licensed and regulated framework. That framework was built for adults making lawful choices."