ZachXBT Uncovers Scammer Involved in $4.5M Worth of 17+ SIM Swap Scams
A recent investigation by ZachXBT has uncovered extensive involvement by a Canada-based individual known as “Yahya” in a string of SIM swap attacks targeting prominent figures in the cryptocurrency space.
According to details published in an expose thread by crypto sleuth ZachXBT, Yahya participated in at least 17 SIM swaps that resulted in over $4.5 million worth of cryptocurrency being stolen from victims.
The investigative findings reveal Yahya’s role was to conduct lookups on targets using a proprietary database panel. This information was then allegedly provided to a SIM swapper known as “Skenkir” to carry out the attacks. As payment for each successful theft, Yahya received a percentage of the stolen funds.
ZachXBT exposes Yahya’s connection with several thefts
Several high-profile thefts connected to Yahya were highlighted, including an attack in July against the Gutter Cat Gang NFT collective, resulting in $720,000 in losses. Another SIM swap in June targeting crypto influencer Bitboy Crypto netted $950,000 for the scammers. In total, over 390 ETH worth around $720,000 at current prices were traced back to Yahya’s wallet from the various attacks.
Some highlighted attacks aided by Yahya’s efforts:
- July 2023: GutterCatGang member SIM swapped, leading to $720,000+ in NFT losses. Yahya received $250,000.
- June 2023: Bitboy_Crypto SIM swapped for $950,000 in losses, though funds were stolen by a scamming partner.
- June 2023: SlingshotCrypto SIM swapped for $36,000 in losses. Yahya received $9,700.
- July 2023: PleasrDAO member targeted, resulting in $1.3 million stolen. Yahya received $144,000.
Records indicate Yahya has spent proceeds from the thefts lavishly, buying luxury watches and unreleased songs. When confronted about his involvement, he showed little remorse, citing the large payments as justification.
Prior to these activities, Yahya allegedly wrote for financial publication Benzinga as an SMM contributor under the name Yahya M*******. The investigation raises questions about his continued involvement, given the risks of being implicated.
While the victims and broader community hope this evidence can aid in holding the perpetrators accountable, SIM swapping remains a systemic threat. Experts advise crypto holders to take preventative measures like avoiding linking phone numbers to accounts whenever possible.
