Gushiken Yona
Crypto kidnapping is on the rise, as Bitcoin’s record-breaking surge fuels a chilling wave of physical crimes targeting digital asset holders. Across the U.S. and Europe, masked intruders, violent abductions, and ransom demands in Bitcoin are no longer rare headlines — they’re becoming part of a disturbing new trend.
Once confined to the realm of digital scams and phishing, crypto theft has entered the real world. Victims — from high-profile executives to everyday traders — are being stalked, followed, and physically assaulted for access to their wallets. With Bitcoin soaring past historic highs in 2025, the stakes — and the danger — have never been greater.
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:
- North America: 48 cases
- Europe: 59 cases
- Asia: 62 cases, largely in Southeast Asia
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.