CZ Shocked After Token2049 Attendee Reports Attack in Singapore

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) said he was shocked after a developer attending Token2049 Singapore claimed he was attacked and robbed late last week.

The report unsettled many in the crypto community, given Singapore’s reputation as one of the safest cities in the world.

Developer Says He Was Attacked After the Event

Software entrepreneur Nate Geier posted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 3, sharing a photo that showed heavy bruising on one side of his face, writing:

“Consider myself a seasoned traveler. Just remember waking up in a hospital, very scary. Must have gotten jumped walking home. Passport and ring gone. Be careful out there at Token2049.”

Geier said he had filed a police report and planned a follow-up meeting with authorities on October 6. “A report was filed to the police yesterday,” he confirmed in a later post, noting that he would visit the police headquarters on October 6 for further updates.

Mixed Reaction From the Crypto Crowd

While many wished him a speedy recovery, skepticism quickly spread online. Several users pointed out that Singapore is “one of the safest countries in the world,” covered extensively by CCTV surveillance, and questioned the validity of his account. Some demanded evidence that the robbery had actually occurred.

Related: Changpeng Zhao (CZ) Burns Nearly $4 Million in Altcoins He Didn’t Ask For

Among those who weighed in was Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the former CEO of Binance, who expressed disbelief at the claim. “Wow, SG is one of the safest cities in the world. Shocked this could happen there. Be safu out there crypto bros. And get well soon,” Zhao wrote on X.

Geier responded to CZ’s message, thanking him for the concern and informing him that the police were investigating the matter.

Singapore’s Role in Global Crypto

The alleged attack comes as Singapore cements its position as the most crypto-engaged nation globally. A recent report by ApeX Protocol ranked Singapore as the number one “crypto-obsessed” country, with 24.4% of its population owning digital assets and over 2,000 crypto-related searches per 100,000 people.

The city-state’s adoption rate more than doubled between 2021 and 2022. The United Arab Emirates followed closely in second place, with 25.3% of its population owning crypto and a 210% rise in adoption since 2019.

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