- The U.S. leads globally in crypto-related kidnappings with 48 cases since 2019.
- France sees a spike in 2025 incidents targeting crypto-linked individuals and families.
- Rising trend of physical threats highlights the need for personal security in the crypto sector
The United States has recorded the highest number of crypto-related kidnappings globally since 2019, outpacing other regions despite heightened concern in Europe, a recent Binance report indicates. This marks a disturbing trend where criminals are increasingly turning to physical violence to steal digital assets, a shift from the long-standing dominance of cyberattacks. Individuals suspected of holding or managing cryptocurrencies are prime targets.
Indeed, law enforcement agencies worldwide are reporting a surge in threats that involve abduction and coercion, typically aimed at forcing victims to give up access to their private wallets and recovery phrases.
North America, Europe Hotspots for Crypto Abductions; Asia Also Reports High Numbers
North America has reported 48 crypto-related abductions over the past six years, placing the United States at the top of the global list. Europe follows with 59 cases, including recent high-profile incidents in France.
Asia, for its part, registered 62 such cases over the past six years, primarily concentrated in Southeast Asia. The targets of these crimes are often crypto executives, traders, exchange personnel, and business owners, though in some instances, family members and even tourists have been victimized.
France Grapples with Spate of Crypto Kidnappings in 2025
France has documented six recent crypto kidnapping cases, three of which occurred in the first part of 2025 alone. One particularly prominent incident this year involved Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife, who were abducted from their home in January. That case drew significant attention from both the cryptocurrency sector and local authorities.
Related: Binance Partners with Macao Law Enforcement to Combat Crypto Crime
More recently, in May 2025, armed assailants attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandchild of the CEO of Paymium, a French crypto exchange, in Paris. Reports indicate the suspects believed the family held access to crucial wallet credentials.
New York Kidnapping Underscores International Scope of Crypto Threat
A separate incident in the United States further brought out the threat. A 28-year-old Italian national visiting New York in May was kidnapped on May 6. Prosecutors reported that the assailant, a crypto investor, tortured the victim in an attempt to obtain access to his Bitcoin wallet.
Related: South Korea’s FSS Gets Tough on Crypto Crime
The victim managed to escape several days later by feigning the need to retrieve a password from another location. The suspect, identified as Woeltz, was subsequently arrested. He now faces charges including kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession.
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