BROOKLYN, NY – Police are searching for two men accused of stealing nearly $54,000 from a 28-year-old victim after gaining unauthorized access to his cellphone in a sophisticated digital theft scheme.
The incident occurred around 4:16 p.m. on September 28, when the pair allegedly used the victim’s device to make fraudulent financial transactions.
Authorities said the suspects carried out multiple unauthorized credit card purchases totaling about $1,000 at 317 Marcus Garvey Boulevard and 312 Tompkins Avenue.
They also transferred approximately $53,992 in Bitcoin from the victim’s electronic account without permission.
Police release suspect descriptions
The NYPD said both suspects are men with dark complexions. One was seen wearing a red T-shirt and a gold chain, while the other wore a blue baseball hat and a white T-shirt. Surveillance images from nearby locations are being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Detectives urge public assistance
Investigators are asking anyone with information on the suspects or their whereabouts to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips anonymously online.
Authorities continue to remind residents to secure their mobile devices and financial apps with strong authentication methods to prevent similar thefts.