GetBlock Magazine and Forbes have reported an alarming trend: since February 2025, the number of kidnappings and assaults related to cryptocurrency has surged by 169%. This year alone, 48 incidents have been recorded—already one-third more than in all of 2024. The victims include not only everyday holders of Bitcoin wallets, but also top executives at crypto companies.
France holds the unfortunate tally of 14 reported cases. Cybercriminals are exploiting data leaks. When addresses and phone numbers of crypto holders fall into the wrong hands, this turns investors into targets for physical extortion.
A real-world example: on September 6 in Cambridge, Canada, a young man was kidnapped, threatened at gunpoint, and forced to transfer funds to a third-party wallet. The attackers reportedly celebrated their success in a dark van, but the victim escaped with only minor injuries.
Security expert Jameson Lopp warns that Bitcoin’s growing market quotes and value correlate with a rise in physical attacks on crypto holders. However, he also points out some progress in self-protection: new storage methods and multi-signature wallets are making things more difficult for criminals. He advises not to flaunt your assets in public, but to hide them well, and always use strong passwords.
In short, keeping your crypto safe is not just about digital security anymore—it also requires precautions in the real world.
