Australian crypto billionaire Tim Heath was the target of a kidnapping attempt in Estonia, where he managed to evade capture by biting off part of his assailant's finger.
Kidnapping Attempt and Escape
During court proceedings, Tim Heath recounted how he was attacked by two men posing as painters in the stairwell of his apartment building in Tallinn last July. One of the assailants, Azerbaijani national Allahverdi Allahverdiyev, attempted to cover Heath's mouth, but Heath instinctively bit down hard, severing part of the assailant's index finger, allowing him to escape and hide in his apartment.
Planning of the Kidnapping
Court testimony revealed that the attack was meticulously planned over several months. A group of seven kidnappers used GPS trackers and burner phones to monitor Heath's movements. They purchased painter uniforms and other materials in local hardware stores days before the attack for disguise, as well as renting a nearby sauna house to use as a holding site.
Aftermath of the Attack
Following the botched kidnapping attempt, Heath has spent over $3.1 million on private security and has changed residences. His lawyers are seeking restitution for these costs from the accused. However, prosecutors warned that the threat remains, as Heath received an anonymous message on Telegram weeks after the attack, including photos of his apartment and a demand for 30 Bitcoins (worth about $3.2 million at the time).
Tim Heath's story highlights the risks faced by owners of significant crypto assets. Despite implementing security measures, the threat is still present.
