Bitcoin’s Bull Run Sparks Dark Trend: Crypto Holders Now Physical Targets

As BTC flirts with new highs, criminals swap ransomware for old-school abduction tactics. Your keys—and now your safety—are at risk.

From digital heists to real-world danger

The same volatility that creates generational wealth also paints targets on backs. When blockchain transactions can’t be reversed, bad actors are forcing the issue offline—with terrifying success rates.

Security experts note a 217% spike in crypto-related kidnappings since January, perfectly mirroring Bitcoin’s parabolic ascent. Turns out your cold wallet isn’t the only thing that needs hardening.

Wall Street bankers clutching pearls about ’unregulated assets’ while laundering more money than the entire crypto market cap? Classic.

Crypto Kidnapping Cases Surge as Criminals Target Bitcoin Holders

In 2025 alone, over 15 crypto kidnapping cases have been reported worldwide, according to a new report by Binance. These incidents are not just numbers— they are harrowing stories of forced access to digital wallets, threats against family members, and sometimes, weeks-long captivity.

In France, Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife were abducted from their home, a stark reminder that even seasoned veterans of the blockchain space are not immune. Just weeks later, armed men attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandchild of the CEO of French crypto exchange Paymium — a crime that sent shockwaves through the European crypto scene.

Meanwhile in the U.S., a case that sounds more like a Netflix crime thriller than reality unfolded in a $30,000-a-month Manhattan townhouse. A 28-year-old Italian tourist was kidnapped and tortured for weeks by a crypto investor named John Woeltz before managing to escape and flag down a traffic agent. The motive? Crypto.

The Binance data shows a clear pattern: as Bitcoin’s value climbs, so do real-world risks. The report outlines a 1:1 correlation between crypto market surges and the frequency of physical attacks.

Since 2019, crypto kidnapping incidents have been logged in nearly every major region:

Victims often include crypto company staff, DeFi developers, NFT influencers, and digital nomads — especially those who publicly share their success or travel.

The New Face of Crypto Crime

Unlike digital hacks, crypto kidnappings unfold offline — in cars, private homes, or while victims travel. Criminals use brute force, not malware. They demand seed phrases, hot wallet access, and two-factor authentication codes at gunpoint.

In many cases, the attackers know exactly who they’re targeting — sometimes even monitoring victims through social media or blockchain analytics. Some have even impersonated law enforcement to isolate and abduct their targets.

Experts warn this trend won’t slow down as long as Bitcoin remains above $60,000 and retail interest in crypto surges. And while cold storage and hardware wallets offer some protection, nothing replaces personal security awareness.

As crypto markets climb, so does the risk of physical crime. Crypto kidnapping has become a brutal, if underreported, facet of the digital asset boom. For traders, investors, and anyone publicly involved in the space, heightened security — both online and offline — is no longer optional. It’s essential.

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Yona has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Daily is an official media and publication of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.