According to Decrypt, former Los Angeles Police Department officer Eric Hallam was convicted of kidnapping and robbery in connection with a 2024 home invasion. Hallam, along with accomplices, impersonated police officers, broke into the high-rise apartment of a 17-year-old boy, subdued him and his girlfriend, and threatened to shoot them to force the surrender of a hard drive containing $350,000 in Bitcoin. This case is the latest example of a “$5 wrench attack”—a violent coercion tactic used to force victims to hand over cryptocurrency. According to research by blockchain security firm CertiK, violent attacks against cryptocurrency holders increased by 75% in 2025, resulting in over $40.9 million in losses. Hallam faces life in prison, while his co-defendants have not yet been tried and maintain their innocence.
Former LAPD officer convicted in $350,000 Bitcoin "baton attack" robbery
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Summary
Bitcoin breaking news: A former LAPD officer has been convicted in a 2024 Bitcoin heist. Eric Hallam and an accomplice posed as police, stormed a teenager’s apartment, and demanded a hard drive containing $350,000 in Bitcoin. The attack, part of a growing trend of violent crypto thefts, involved victims being threatened with a baton and firearm. Bitcoin news reports that CertiK tracked a 75% increase in such attacks in 2025, resulting in $40.9 million in total losses. Hallam could face life in prison. His co-defendant maintains innocence and is awaiting trial.
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