Home
/
News updates
/
Latest news
/

Cancer patient's funds stolen: scammer reported to ice

Crypto Scammer Reportedly Steals Funds from Cancer Patient | Community Unites in Outrage

By

Sophie Chang

Sep 22, 2025, 09:54 PM

Updated

Sep 24, 2025, 10:07 AM

2 minutes reading time

A cancer patient sitting with a concerned expression, holding a phone, symbolizing distress over stolen treatment funds.
popular

A surge in cybercrime has sparked community outrage after a scammer allegedly stole over $32,000 in crypto from Raivo Plavnieks, a cancer patient raising funds for treatment. This incident highlights security flaws in gaming platforms, raising serious concerns among users.

How the Scam Unfolded

Plavnieks was targeted via a malware-infected game on Steam called 'Block Blasters.' Users on forums expressed shock about the breach of trust, sharing fears that malware could infect games themselves. Experts identified the alleged scammer as someone from Argentina, now living in the U.S. with a reported history of fraud, prompting discussions on whether ICE would deport him for his actions.

Voices from the Community

The crypto community has rallied to assist Plavnieks in reclaiming his stolen funds. Comments reflect an urgency for law enforcement action with sentiments like, "Time for ICE to do something," and "They got his address; sounds like people are heading there right now."

Key Discussions Emerged

  • Malware Risks: Many users questioned the safety of downloading from Steam, suggesting vulnerabilities exist within known games. One user mentioned, "There can be malware in Steam itself. Hell, there can be malware in malware."

  • Vigilante Sentiment: With the scammer's address reportedly discovered, there is growing concern about vigilante actions among the community.

  • Security Reforms: Plavnieks' situation has reignited conversations about improving security measures on platforms. As one comment put it, "Does anyone keep their crypto info on the same computer? Seems crazy but I suspect itโ€™s common.โ€

"Hopefully, he hasnโ€™t bribed himself out of trouble," a user remarked, highlighting fears of potential evasion of justice.

Security Flaws Under Fire

Critics highlight serious issues in Steamโ€™s vetting processes, calling for enhanced measures to protect users from malicious attacks. As discussions evolve, thereโ€™s pressure on platforms to implement stronger security protocols to prevent future incidents.

What's Next? Community Response

Ongoing investigations may yield results in recovering the stolen funds. The involvement of ICE raises hopes of accountability, with experts suggesting a high likelihood of reforms across crypto and gaming platforms in response to this case.

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ Community sentiments call for better vetting and security protocols in gaming and crypto platforms.

  • โ–ฝ An urgent response from law enforcement is anticipated as community support strengthens.

  • โ€ป "This is a wake-up call for all crypto users!" - Popular comment

The narrative surrounding Plavnieks is reminiscent of early banking fraud cases, where oversight led to negative consequences for many. As the financial sector adapted, so too may crypto and gaming to ensure trust and accountability.