Crypto Wealth Sparks "Murderous Intent": 22 Kidnappings in 5 Months—How Can Practitioners Protect Themselves?
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Crypto Wealth Sparks "Murderous Intent": 22 Kidnappings in 5 Months—How Can Practitioners Protect Themselves?
Wealth is visible, but security is priceless.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsAuthor: Fairy, ChainCatcher
Editor: TB, ChainCatcher
Where do you live? What time do you usually leave the house? Have you ever posted about your crypto assets on social media?
These seemingly harmless pieces of information are becoming navigation coordinates for criminals in the real world. As Bitcoin hits new all-time highs and crypto assets enter the mainstream spotlight, it's not just institutions paying attention—violent criminals are now targeting on-chain wealth and you, off-chain.
The wave of violence involving kidnapping, coercion, and ransom demands may be more severe than we imagine.
Abduction Incident Draws Political Attention
Recently, a video widely circulated on X: the daughter and grandson of the co-founder of French crypto exchange Paymium were targeted in an attempted armed abduction in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. Four masked assailants ambushed them, trying to forcibly drag the mother and child into a van. The woman fought back fiercely, seized one attacker’s weapon, caused chaos, and with help from bystanders, the kidnappers fled in panic.
The incident quickly drew public attention and even alarmed French politicians. France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has announced he will urgently convene cryptocurrency industry representatives this Friday to discuss how to respond to the rising number of violent abduction threats against crypto entrepreneurs.
Global Surge in Crypto-Related Violence
This failed abduction in Paris is merely the tip of the iceberg in a series of escalating violent threats facing the crypto industry.
According to data from a public tracking tool created and maintained by Casa’s CTO Jameson Lopp, as of the first five months of 2025, at least 22 physical attacks targeting crypto professionals or their family members have been recorded globally. This number nearly matches the full-year total for 2023 (24 incidents) and is approaching the 2024 figure (32 incidents). More alarmingly, these are only the publicly disclosed cases—the actual number may be far higher.
Attacks are not confined to any single region. France, Brazil, Hong Kong, the Philippines... wherever crypto wealth appears, so too does the risk of violence. Below are some notable cases:
How to Build Real-World Security Defenses?
On-chain addresses reveal asset size, social media posts expose movement patterns, and lifestyle choices signal financial status. When risks spread from the virtual world into real life, how can we protect ourselves and our families?
True security begins with awareness—and is implemented through every detail of daily life. ChainCatcher has compiled practical recommendations to help you build real security into everyday routines:
- Low profile is the safest shield
Avoid posting screenshots of your assets or trading profits. If you're a public-facing KOL or trader, consider "de-identifying" your on-chain addresses to prevent direct association between your identity and large holdings.
- Don’t casually disclose location
Many people routinely post things like “Just landed in Singapore” or “Hanging out in Central Hong Kong tonight” on social media, drastically lowering the cost for attackers to “accurately time a hit.” Delay sharing location updates, avoid revealing your home address, travel routes, or hotel details. During industry conferences, keep accommodations and schedules confidential.
- Isolate on-chain activity from real-world identity
High-net-worth wallets should be completely detached from social identities. Avoid making ENS names, address abbreviations, or X usernames too similar, reducing the chance of reconstructing your social graph.
- Be cautious when meeting others—even friends need verification
Criminals often pose as business partners or fans seeking “in-person meetings.” For over-the-counter trades, choose monitored public spaces (like Starbucks or office lobbies), inform a friend of your whereabouts beforehand, and set up automatic check-in alerts.
- Make your “home” part of your security system
Consider using a commercial address for deliveries. Install smart locks, cameras, and alarm systems—not only to increase vigilance but also to create countermeasures during emergencies.
- Security awareness should be a “consensus protocol” among family
Security shouldn’t rest on one person alone. Even if you’re cautious, your family members, children, or assistants should also have basic threat awareness—such as not disclosing locations or financial status over the phone, knowing how to spot phishing emails and scam messages. For high-net-worth individuals, entire households can become potential targets, so all members should receive foundational education in digital and physical security.
- Prepare emergency response plans
If you manage significant crypto assets, develop an “emergency strategy” to ensure funds cannot be quickly moved even under duress. Establish a “covert distress signal” system with trusted contacts so you can send help requests if kidnapped. High-risk individuals may consider purchasing “kidnap and ransom insurance” or hiring professional security teams.
Wealth is visible; safety is priceless
When violence becomes the most primitive “private key extractor,” even 2FA won’t help. We’ve grown accustomed to securing our assets—but often overlook the most vulnerable part: our own bodies.
A cold wallet protects wealth. A calm, vigilant mindset saves lives.
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