Florida man arrested for $220K crypto theft via malware games
6.8 Security A Florida man was arrested for distributing malware-laden games that infected 8,000 devices and stole $220,000 in crypto from about 80 wallets via social and gaming platforms.
Federal agents have arrested Zyaire Dontaevious Zamarion Wilkins, 21, of North Lauderdale, Florida, for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to steal cryptocurrency by distributing malware through online video games. According to federal complaints, Wilkins and his accomplices launched at least eight games—including BlockBlasters, Dashverse, Lunara, PirateFi, Chemia, Lampy, and Tokenova—embedding them with malware to gain unauthorized access to users' crypto wallets. The group promoted these games on platforms such as Discord, Telegram, X, LinkedIn, and possibly Steam, specifically targeting individuals with significant crypto holdings. Their campaign reportedly infected around 8,000 devices, compromised approximately 80 wallets, and resulted in at least $220,000 in stolen digital assets between May 2024 and February 2026. Investigators traced the operation through blockchain analysis and the purchase of over 150 Uber Eats gift cards on Bitrefill. The case is being prosecuted in Seattle, and Wilkins faces charges that could result in up to 10 years in prison.
