El Al Airlines flight LY612 landed at Ben Gurion Airport from Moscow Domodedovo Airport shortly after 8:00 pm local time on June 8, 2023. The warm evening air, typical for Tel Aviv in early June, with temperatures hovering around 27°C (81°F) with passing clouds, greeted “Elias” as he disembarked. Elias, an employee at a startup specializing in blockchain analysis and cryptocurrency investigations, had spent a few days in Moscow, Russia visiting friends and family.
As he made his way through the bustling terminal, memories of his trip mingled with thoughts of an unusual GitHub invitation he had received just before departing Moscow. It seemed like a promising collaboration from a respected developer in the blockchain community, but something about it felt off. Shrugging off the unease, he collected his luggage and proceeded to catch a taxi to his apartment in Ramat Gan.
The drive through Tel Aviv was familiar yet invigorating. The city’s vibrant nightlife was beginning to unfold, with cafes and restaurants filling up with patrons. Elias directed the taxi driver to a popular falafel stand near his apartment complex, deciding to grab dinner before heading home. The aroma of freshly fried falafel and warm pita bread was comforting as he placed his order and waited.