Crypto Billionaire Escapes Kidnapping by Biting Assailant's Finger in Estonia

Australian cryptocurrency billionaire Tim Heath narrowly evaded a violent kidnapping attempt in Tallinn, Estonia, last July by biting off part of an attacker's finger, according to recent court proceedings in Estonia.

Key Facts:
- Heath, founder of Estonia-based Yolo Group, thwarted abduction by biting through assailant's finger
- Attackers had stalked the crypto executive for weeks using disguises and GPS tracking
- Seven suspects allegedly planned to force Heath to transfer digital assets under duress

The incident underscores a troubling trend of targeted kidnappings against high-net-worth individuals in the cryptocurrency space. Heath was ambushed in his apartment building stairwell by two men disguised as painters, including a former professional boxer who attempted to silence him.

Court documents reveal the assailant, Azerbaijani national Allahverdi Allahverdiyev, suffered partial amputation of his index finger during Heath's desperate self-defense. The 30-second struggle saw the crypto tycoon lose a tooth but successfully reach safety.

The would-be kidnappers had conducted extensive surveillance, planting tracking devices and renting vehicles for their planned operation. Authorities recovered the abandoned getaway van with forensic evidence linking it to the crime scene.

Prosecutors allege the group intended to transport Heath to a secondary location where they would coerce him into transferring cryptocurrency holdings. Two suspects remain at large, including the alleged mastermind who entered Estonia using falsified travel documents.

Following the failed attempt, Heath reportedly received ransom demands via Telegram for 30 BTC (approximately $3.3 million at the time). He has since invested over $3.1 million in enhanced security measures and relocated residences.