Sam Altman’s Ex-Boyfriend’s San Francisco Home Targeted in $11 Million Crypto Heist
By Joe Burn and Dana Sauchelli | November 25, 2025
In a brazen and meticulously planned attack, the San Francisco home of Lachy Groom, a prominent venture capitalist and ex-boyfriend of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, was targeted in an $11 million cryptocurrency theft on Saturday evening. The incident unfolded in the Mission District, a neighborhood known for its tech elite residents.
The Heist Unfolds
According to police sources and individuals familiar with the case, the suspect posed as a delivery worker to gain entry to the $4.4 million Dorland Street residence. Doorbell camera footage circulated on social media shows the armed man carrying a white box, claiming to be delivering a package for “Joshua,” the name under which Groom’s housemate is known.
The suspect, alleging to work for a UPS affiliate, asked the resident, who identified himself as Joshua, to sign for the package. After retrieving a pen, the suspect followed Joshua inside. Suddenly, a loud noise was heard, signaling the start of the violent confrontation.
Once inside, the assailant revealed a firearm, restrained Joshua with duct tape, and proceeded to extract $11 million worth of cryptocurrency—comprising Ethereum and Bitcoin—over approximately 90 minutes. The attacker also confiscated the victim’s phone and laptop, vital tools used to access the cyber wallets. Investigators suspect the incident was a targeted operation by an organized crime group.
Victim Details and Aftermath
Joshua, who lives with Groom in the four-bedroom home, was found by police at around 6:45 PM with minor injuries including bruising. Reports indicate that the suspect subjected him to physical assault and psychological intimidation, including holding up a phone to play foreign voices reciting personal information.
Groom, 31, a celebrated startup prodigy from Australia and part of the so-called “Stripe Mafia”—a cohort of successful tech entrepreneurs—purchased the home in 2021 from Sam Altman’s brother. Though he and Altman had ended their relationship before Altman’s 2024 marriage, the tech titans remain linked through shared ventures and a continued professional respect. Groom publicly praised Altman in 2023 for his inspiring work with OpenAI.
Efforts to reach Groom for comment were unsuccessful.
Community and Expert Reactions
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local tech and crypto community. Garry Tan, president and CEO of Y Combinator and a fellow San Francisco investor, shared security footage on X (formerly Twitter), urging the public to help identify the suspect. Tan also stressed the importance of secure storage for cryptocurrency assets, suggesting “vault storage” at reputable platforms over self-custody.
Security experts note a disturbing rise in violent crimes targeting crypto investors. Steve Krystek, CEO of personal security firm PFC Safeguards, noted, “Many newly wealthy individuals display their wealth openly, unfortunately making them prime targets.”
Ongoing Investigation
San Francisco Police Department officials confirmed that no arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or send tips via text to TIP411. This chilling episode underscores the growing risks associated with cryptocurrency’s rapid rise and the vulnerabilities faced by those holding significant digital assets.
For more updates on this story and other tech crime news, stay tuned.