Cryptocurrency wealth attracts "murderous intent": 22 kidnappings in 5 months, how should practitioners protect themselves?
Wealth is visible, safety is priceless.Author: Fairy, ChainCatcher
Editor: TB, ChainCatcher
Where do you live? What time do you usually leave home? Have you ever shared your crypto assets on social media?
These seemingly harmless pieces of information are becoming navigation coordinates for criminals in the real world. As Bitcoin breaks historical highs and crypto assets enter the mainstream, it's not just institutions that are paying attention; violent criminals are also targeting on-chain wealth and you offline.
The wave of violence involving kidnapping, coercion, and ransom may be more severe than we imagine.
Kidnapping Incident Sparks Political Attention
Recently, a video went viral on the X platform: the daughter and grandson of the co-founder of the French crypto exchange Paymium were recently the victims of an armed kidnapping attempt in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Four masked assailants ambushed them, attempting to forcibly drag the mother and child into a van. The woman fiercely resisted and managed to disarm one of the attackers, causing chaos, and after bystanders intervened, the kidnappers fled in panic.
The incident quickly drew public attention and even alarmed the French political sphere. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has announced an emergency meeting this Friday with cryptocurrency industry practitioners to discuss how to respond to the increasing threats of violent kidnappings targeting crypto entrepreneurs.
The Global Spread of Crypto Violence
This attempted kidnapping in Paris is just the tip of the iceberg of the series of violent threats facing the crypto industry.
According to statistics from a public tracking tool created and maintained by Jameson Lopp, CTO of security company Casa, there have been at least 22 recorded physical attacks against crypto practitioners or their relatives globally in the first five months of 2025 alone. This number is nearly on par with the total for the entire year of 2023 (24 incidents) and is approaching the total for 2024 (32 incidents). Worryingly, these are just the publicly disclosed cases; the real numbers may be much higher.
Attacks are not limited to a specific region. France, Brazil, Hong Kong, the Philippines… wherever crypto wealth goes, the risk of violence follows. We have compiled some cases:
How to Build a Safety Barrier in Life?
On-chain addresses expose asset scales, social media posts reveal activity trajectories, and lifestyles hint at economic strength. When risks spread from the virtual world to real life, how can we protect ourselves and our families' personal and property safety?
True safety begins with awareness and is reflected in every detail of life. ChainCatcher has compiled some practical suggestions to help you establish a real safety barrier from your daily routine:
- Discretion is the Safest Protection Layer
Try to avoid sharing screenshots of your assets or trading profits. If you are a public figure, KOL, or trader, it is advisable to "anonymize" your on-chain address to avoid directly linking your identity with substantial assets.
- Do Not Disclose Location Information Casually
Many people habitually post on social media things like "Just arrived in Singapore" or "Meeting tonight in Central Hong Kong," which significantly lowers the cost of being "precisely targeted." It is recommended to delay posting location updates and avoid publicly sharing your permanent residence, travel routes, and hotel addresses. During industry conferences, try to keep your accommodation and itinerary confidential.
- Maintain Separation Between On-Chain and Real-World Identities
High-net-worth wallets should be kept as separate as possible from social identities. Avoid making ENS domain names, address abbreviations, and X usernames too similar to reduce the likelihood of social graphs being reconstructed.
- Meetings Require Caution; Friends Should Be Verified
Some criminals set traps under the guise of "business discussions" or "in-person meetings." In over-the-counter transactions, prefer monitored public places (like Starbucks or office building lobbies), inform friends of your whereabouts in advance, and establish a regular check-in mechanism.
- Make "Home" Part of Your Safety System
Consider using a business address for receiving packages. Installing smart locks, cameras, and alarm systems can not only enhance vigilance but also provide countermeasures in case of danger.
- Safety Awareness is a "Consensus Agreement" Among Family Members
Safety awareness should not be the sole responsibility of individuals. Even if one remains vigilant, family members, children, or assistants should also have basic awareness of prevention, such as not disclosing location information or asset status over the phone and knowing how to identify phishing emails and scam messages. For high-net-worth individuals, the entire family can often become potential targets, so all members should receive basic education on digital and physical security.
- Pre-establish Emergency Response Plans
If you manage a significant amount of crypto assets, it is advisable to develop an "emergency strategy" to ensure that even if attacked, funds cannot be quickly transferred. Additionally, establish an "emergency code" mechanism with trusted contacts to signal for help if coerced. For high-risk groups, consider purchasing "kidnapping and ransom insurance" or hiring a professional security team.
Visible Wealth, Priceless Safety
When violence becomes the most primitive "private key extractor," no amount of 2FA can help. We have long been accustomed to securing our assets but often overlook the most vulnerable part: our own physical bodies.
Cold wallets can protect wealth, but a calm security awareness can preserve life.
