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Man disappears with US$40 000 bitcoin overpayment

Michael Mashiri

A Bulawayo man has been arraigned before the courts after disappearing with US$39 933.66, which the complainant mistakenly sent to him instead of US$5 500.

David Antony Edwards, 83, of Whitburn Close, Fortune’s Gate, Bulawayo, appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Courts charged with theft.

He was remanded out of custody to April 23.

The complainant in this matter is William Link Chui, 40, of Hatfield.

The State alleges that in February, Edwards introduced one Dana Smith as his wife to Jacob Mateke, who is known by Chui.

It is alleged that on February 24, Chui was informed by Mateke, who is based in Bulawayo, that Edwards was looking for bitcoin for his wife Smith worth US$5 500.

Chui allegedly received bitcoin e-wallet, which was said to belong to Smith, from Mateke to deposit in exchange for cash.

Chui mistakenly sent bitcoin which had an equivalent value of US$45 433.66 instead of US$5 500 equivalent.

Edwards allegedly promised to reverse the remainder to Chui within 48 hours.

After the said time expired, Chui checked on the balance from Edwards but he had disappeared.

On February 28, Chui reported the matter to the police, leading to Edwards’ arrest.

When he was interviewed by the police, he implicated Smith, a Facebook friend whose existence is questionable.

As a result, US$39 933.66 was stolen and nothing has been recovered.

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