- Latvian streamer Raivo Plavnieks lost over US$31,000 (AU$47,286) after downloading a malware-infected Steam game.
- The malware compromised his Solana token, affected hundreds of devices, and prompted investigators to trace the attackers.
- The crypto community responded, boosting his token’s market cap and replacing stolen funds, including a donation from Alex Becker.
Latvian crypto streamer Raivo “Rastaland” Plavnieks lost more than US$31,000 (AU$47,286) in creator rewards after downloading a Steam game containing malware. Plavnieks, 26, was raising funds for treatment of stage-four sarcoma through a Solana token called Help Me Beat Cancer (CANCER) on Pump.fun.
During a livestream, a viewer suggested he try Block Blasters, a game listed on Steam. After launching it, his wallet was drained, with early estimates ranging from US$31,189 to US$32,000 (AU$48,515).
Related: Pump.fun Buys Back $65M in Tokens to Boost PUMP Price
From Theft to Recovery
Security researchers at VX-Underground found that the game contained a script that harvested browser credentials and crypto wallets. The malware is thought to have affected up to 907 devices, though the number of unique victims may be closer to 400.
From Theft to RecoveryInvestigators, including ZachXBT and other online researchers, traced the attackers’ activities and reported findings to authorities. Valve’s oversight of Steam was criticised because the game remained available for weeks despite security warnings from G Data CyberDefense.
The crypto community responded by supporting Plavnieks. His CANCER token rose to a market cap of US$2.5 million (AU$3,790,250), generating creator rewards to offset the stolen funds. Influencer Alex Becker donated US$32,500 (AU$49,273) to cover the losses.
Plavnieks has reported the incident to police, secured his creator rewards in a new wallet, and plans to resume livestreaming. His GoFundMe for treatment has also received additional contributions following the theft.
Related: YGG Play and Delabs Games Partner to Launch GIGACHADBAT on Abstract Chain
Credit: Source link
