Exmo Bitcoin exchange expert abducted in Kiev
According to foreign media reports, Pavel Lerner, a famous Russian blockchain expert and head of Encrypted Currency Exchange (EXMO), was abducted on December 26 in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. EXMO subsequently issued a statement confirming the abduction and promised that EXMO’s operations will not be affected and that all user funds are absolutely safe. Law enforcement officials are now investigating the matter to understand why Lerner was abducted. However, some people think that Lerner’s abduction may be another case involving a Russian national with a hidden currency background.
“We are doing everything possible to speed up the search of Pavel Lerner. Any information regarding his whereabouts is very much appreciated,” PR-department of EXMO said.
“Despite the situation, the exchange is working as usual. We also want to stress that nature of Pavel’s job at EXMO doesn’t assume access either to storages or any personal data of users. All users funds are absolutely safe.”
According to anonymous information from Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, Lerner was forcibly towed into the Mercedes (license plate number AA 2063 MT) by unidentified individuals and then headed for unknown direction, not far from his place of work.
Although law enforcement agencies are still investigating, EXMO said Lerner does not have direct access to any cryptocurrency accounts or other personal data, and the company’s operations and all user funds will not be affected.
After Pavel was released on Thursday, Exmo and himself declined to comment on the matter.
Source: thehackernews
