Cryptocurrency Billionaire Escapes Kidnapping Attempt in Estonia

An Australian crypto billionaire narrowly avoided abduction in Tallinn last year after allegedly biting off the index finger of one of his attackers during the incident, according to testimony heard in an Estonian court.

Tim Heath, a long-term investor in cryptocurrency and founder of Estonian-based Yolo Group, was attacked in July 2025 by two men disguised as painters in his apartment building’s stairwell.

According to reports from Estonian media outlet Eesti Ekspress, cited by the Sydney Morning Herald, one of the attackers, 33-year-old Azerbaijani national Allahverdi Allahverdiyev (a former boxer and wrestler), attempted to silence Heath by placing his hand over Heath’s mouth.

The attackers, identified in court testimony as part of a larger group, planned to abduct Heath. Reacting in self-defense, Heath allegedly bit through Allahverdiyev’s index finger, allowing him to escape and take shelter in his apartment.

Court testimony also stated that Heath lost a tooth in the 30-second struggle, and the attackers subsequently fled the scene, abandoning their van nearby. A portion of the severed finger was later found 100 meters away from the stairwell.

Months of Surveillance and Preparation

Prosecutors alleged the kidnapping plot was meticulously planned over several months. Seven individuals, including Allahverdiyev and Georgian citizen Ilgar Mamedov (who remains in custody), allegedly surveilled Heath, both in person and via GPS tracking of his vehicle.

Furthermore, the group allegedly entered Estonia using forged Georgian passports and purchased painters’ uniforms and equipment for the planned attack.

The ultimate goal, according to the prosecution, was to transport Heath to a rented property and extort him for his substantial crypto assets, with alleged assistance from a hired hacker.

Legal Proceedings

Allahverdiyev contested the charges in court recently. His defense attorney alleged that Allahverdiyev had been promised 100,000 euros for the kidnapping but subsequently instructed the others to abort the operation.

Mamedov, facing charges including being the getaway driver, vehemently denied his involvement, describing his presence in Estonia as accidental and denying any conspiracy.

On-going Threat Suspected

Following the botched kidnapping, prosecutors state Heath allegedly received a threatening message on Telegram, complete with photos of his apartment, demanding 30 Bitcoin (worth approximately $3.3 million at the time) and promising silence afterwards.

Though Heath did not comply and no further direct contact was reported, prosecutors indicated the criminal threat could still be ongoing. Heath, described as spending over $3.1 million on private security since the incident and reportedly relocating his residence, is seeking reimbursement for these security costs from the defendants.