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The US has reported a surge in crypto-related kidnapping cases, revealing alarming trends about the safety of digital asset holders.
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Despite increased burglaries in Europe, North America still leads in reported cases, with physical threats being a common tactic among attackers.
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A Binance report highlighted that over 15 crypto kidnapping incidents have occurred in 2025 alone, correlating with the recent price hike of Bitcoin.
This article unveils the recent surge in crypto kidnappings, focusing on how attackers leverage physical threats to demand Bitcoin from victims.
Crypto Kidnappings Rise as Criminals Exert Physical Threat to Steal Digital Assets
The rise of cryptocurrencies has brought unique challenges, including an alarming increase in crypto-related kidnappings. Criminals are evolving, employing physical threats as a means to access digital assets.
North America and Europe are currently the most targeted areas, yet Asia is witnessing a similar trend. In total, 62 <%strong>crypto kidnapping cases have been reported across Asia since 2019, predominantly in Southeast Asian countries.
Crypto Kidnappings By Region Since 2019. Source: Binance
France is also experiencing an uptick, having recorded six incidents recently, with half occurring in 2025 alone. Victims range from crypto executives to everyday traders, often targeted for their perceived value in the blockchain space.
Criminals have even escalated their tactics by targeting family members of crypto holders or tourists thought to possess digital asset keys.
The Growing Physical Threat of Crypto
One of the most shocking incidents this year involved David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, who, along with his wife, was abducted from their home in France. This incident attracted notable media coverage and stirred concern within the crypto community.
In another concerning event, armed assailants attempted to kidnap the child and grandchild of the CEO of French crypto exchange Paymium in early May.
Across the Atlantic, the New York police apprehended John Woeltz, a 37-year-old crypto investor, who was allegedly involved in the kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist for an extended period. The victim’s successful escape has shed light on the dark side of the crypto industry.
Wild story out of NYC: A 37-year-old crypto investor, John Woeltz, has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and torturing a 28-year-old Italian man for three weeks inside a $30K/month Manhattan townhouse. The victim escaped Friday morning and ran to a traffic agent for help.… pic.twitter.com/ZZdi9CxEmq
— Lauren Conlin (@conlin_lauren) May 24, 2025
According to the Binance report, there’s a striking correlation between Bitcoin’s soaring prices and the rise in these physical crimes. As Bitcoin reaches record highs, the urge to target crypto holders becomes more pronounced.
Crypto Kidnapping Cases Rise as Bitcoin’s Price Increases. Source: Binance
This year alone, at least 15 crypto kidnapping incidents have been documented, with ransom demands often being made in Bitcoin. As the value of digital currencies increases, criminals seem more inclined to resort to violent measures to access these funds.
Conclusion
In summary, the growing trend of crypto kidnapping poses significant risks to those engaged in digital asset trading. With rising Bitcoin values, the potential for physical threats has escalated, making it imperative for individuals and institutions to adopt heightened security measures.
