Greece’s first Cryptocurrency Creator Attempts Suicide

Vangelis Tsapas, the creator of the first Greek cryptocurrency, is currently hospitalized at Evangelismos Hospital after attempting suicide. The Greek businessman consumed chlorine as well as Aqua Forte, a cleaning solution containing hydrochloric acid.

He was admitted to the on-call hospital on January 9th following this incident. Diagnosed with severe esophagitis, Tsapas, did not sustain any other injuries and is now recovering in a stable condition.

The story of Vangelis Tsapas, the “Greek Crypto Man”

【希腊首个加密货币Hellenic Coin因高管失联暴跌】

11月25日消息，Vangelis Tsapas是一位希腊商人，也是希腊一支篮球队的支持者，他创立了希腊首个加密货币Hellenic Coin，#cryptocurrecy pic.twitter.com/dRoWirrtII

— CyberTalk (@CyberTalk_) November 25, 2021

Besides being the creator of Greece’s first cryptocurrency, Vangelis Tsapas is the former president of Ionikos Basketball team.

Previously, Tsapas had attracted negative publicity after his initial “disappearance” around mid-November 2021. Investors who had put money into his cryptocurrency were searching for him, as the currency’s value plummeted to zero and they felt cheated, demanding immediate reimbursement from the Greek businessman.

In more detail, Vangelis Tsapas allegedly owed significant sums to the Prime Minister of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani. Tsapas’ company was involved in managing the Emir’s mega yacht, yet he reportedly left the crew unpaid. The yacht’s monthly crew payroll amounted to 200,000 euros.

Additionally, an internal financial audit at KAE Ionikos uncovered an unexplained shortfall of 215,800 euros. A former close associate of Tsapas, claimed through a legal complaint that she withdrew the money from the bank “under his direction” and handed it over to him.

Since those affairs were brought forth in 2021, Tsapas withdrew from the public eye. He had stepped down from managing the Greek cryptocurrency HNC Coin and the administration of Ionikos. In an interview from a year ago, Tsapas stated that the “difficulties” and “complications” belonged in the past.

The return of the struggles for the Greek cryptocurrency creator

Nevertheless, on Tuesday, January 9th, at 10:30 am, Tsapas resurfaced, sending seven videos via WhatsApp. In these videos, he recorded himself while driving, discussing various issues that brought him into the spotlight, from Ionikos and the cryptocurrency as well as the issues with Qatari Prime Minister’s yacht.

In his videos, Vangelis Tsapas hinted at ending his life, a feat he attempted unsuccessfully on September 5, 2022. Through the videos Tsapas sends an alarming message regarding his situation and hints suicide. Tsapas referencing his previous suicidal attempt, reminisces the family time he spent and the ability to “restore” his name. However, due to the mounting pressure, he decided to commit suicide again.

Furthermore, in the videos, Tsapas also mentions abuse from blackmailers and loan sharks.

Tsapas then explained the reasons for creating the confessional videos, emphasizing that his main purpose was to protect his family. Interestingly enough, in the last of the seven videos, Tsapas mentions “Men of the Law” as some of the culprits. These men as he later states, placed enormous interest rates on large debts.

Descriptively, Vangelis Tsapas mentions “Men of the Law” along with a loan shark and a close partner. He states these culprits demanded unexplained large amounts which he could not repay. Tsapas highlights an instance in the video with a debt of 150000 euros reaching over 600000 euros.

Hospitalization Update

The Greek “Crypto Man” was admitted and hospitalized to Evangelismos on January 9th after ingesting chlorine and aqua forte. Fortunately, after being diagnosed with severe Esophagitis, he is currently recovering in a stable condition.