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Shock EthCC Robberies Rock Crypto Enthusiasts in Brussels

DailycoinDailycoin2024/07/16 06:04
By:Dailycoin
  • Crypto conferences unite networking and the latest groundbreaking ideas.
  • EthCC attendees in Brussels encountered robberies and violent incidents.
  • Crime in Belgium matches levels seen in other developed countries

Crypto conferences are the lifeblood of the industry, bringing enthusiasts together to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and drive innovation. The Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC), which kicked off on Monday in Brussels, Belgium, promised attendees ‘four intense days of conferences, networking, and learning.’

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However, the excitement surrounding the event was soon marred by multiple reports of attendees falling victim to violent robberies. These incidents served as a stark reminder that while the crypto world often focuses on digital security , physical safety at industry events requires equal attention.

EthCC Hit by Violence

Robberies at crypto conferences are emerging as a troubling trend, with EthCC in Brussels (July 8-11) being the latest incident. Marketing specialist Evan L. reported on X that he was robbed on July 8 during his first visit to Europe for the event. He shared his experience on social media, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safety.

I just got robbed about an hour ago, my knee is badly injured but I’m thankful that I’m fine otherwise. It’s my first time Brussels Europe for ETH CC.

It’s not a good representation of the whole country. I’m sharing this story to let everyone know that no matter where you… pic.twitter.com/lMlZXxKUWX

— Evan L. (@evanincrypto) July 8, 2024

Rishant Kumar, growth head at Kilt Protocol, reported being attacked near the conference venue. Kumar managed to fend off the attacker and warned fellow attendees that criminals seemed to be targeting crypto investors at the conference.

In an even more alarming case, another attendee revealed that someone had a gun pointed at their head during a robbery, underscoring the severity of the threat.

These incidents serve as a stark warning for crypto holders to remain vigilant, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

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However, it’s important to determine whether these incidents reflect general conditions in Belgium or are anomalies intensified by the concentration of crypto investors at the conference.

Putting Belgium’s Safety in Perspective 

Crime statistics for Belgium reveal it is a relatively safe country. According to the World Population Review, Belgium’s Crime Index stands at 48.9, placing it in a moderate range globally. 

For context, this figure is slightly lower than the U.S., which scores 49.2, while countries like Venezuela and Papa New Guinea top the list with scores of 82.1 and 80.4, respectively. 

The Crime Index is calculated by dividing the total number of all reported crimes by the population and multiplying the result by 100,000. This standardizes crime rates for comparison across countries.

These statistics suggest that crime in Belgium is generally comparable to that in the U.S. This implies that while the incidents at EthCC are troubling, they may not reflect an unusually high crime rate in Belgium overall.

On the Flipside

  • DevCon IV, held in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2022, proved a dangerous crypto conference for attendees.
  • The role of social media in incident reporting can increase awareness but may also create a skewed perception of overall safety.
  • Some commenters blamed immigrants for the EthCC robberies.

Why This Matters

Recurring incidents at crypto conferences highlight the urgent need for improved security measures and better attendee education. Organizers must do more to counter these issues.

Learn more about what’s happening at EthCC:
AI, DePIN Onchain Gaming Conference Serverless BXL Confirmed for Brussels July 7 During EthCC

Spot Bitcoin ETF investors hold firm despite bearish price action:
Bitcoin ETF Holders Unshaken by Market Meltdown

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Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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