Latvian streamer Raivo Plavnieks, 26, known as Rastaland, lost $31,000 in cryptocurrencies during a live stream on Steam on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Battling stage 4 sarcoma, he fell victim to a scam after downloading the malicious game Block Blasters, which drained his digital wallet. The crypto community swiftly rallied, recovering the stolen funds and boosting the value of Plavnieks’ token, “Help Me Beat Cancer,” to a $2.5 million market cap. The incident sparked criticism of Valve, Steam’s owner, for security lapses.
- Incident: The scam occurred live, with $31,189 stolen from his wallet.
- Immediate response: Influencers and donors stepped in to cover the loss.
- Digital security: Experts are investigating the malware and criticizing Steam.
Crypto community’s response
The community’s solidarity was key. The CANCER token, created on the Solana blockchain, surged 3,000% after the incident, generating significant earnings for Plavnieks. Influencer Alex Becker donated $32,500 directly, fully covering the stolen amount, ensuring funds for Plavnieks’ treatment.
Investigation and Steam criticism
Investigator ZachXBT reported that Block Blasters caused over $150,000 in losses to others. Valve faces backlash for allowing the malicious game on its platform. The vx-underground group noted 400 computers infected by the same malware. Researchers are negotiating with hackers, who initially hinted at returning funds but later refused.
Security measures taken
Plavnieks filed a police report after the scam. He switched his digital wallet for donations and replaced his computer’s SSD. The streamer plans to resume live streams with increased caution.
Impact on medical treatment
Plavnieks launched the CANCER token to fund treatment for his rare sarcoma, which requires substantial resources. The community’s response not only restored the $31,000 but also increased available funds, securing his medical needs. He expressed gratitude on X, noting his family’s appreciation for the support.
Preventing digital scams
Malicious game scams are rising on digital platforms. Experts advise verifying game sources before downloading, especially during live streams, where viewer pressure can lead to hasty decisions.
