The wave of kidnapping, coercion, and ransom might be more serious than we imagine.
Author: Fairy, ChainCatcher
Editor: TB, ChainCatcher
Cover: Photo by Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
Where do you live? What time do you usually go out? 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 through historical highs and crypto assets enter the mainstream view, not only are institutions paying attention, but violent criminals are also eyeing on-chain wealth and you offline.
The wave of kidnapping, coercion, and ransom might be more serious than we imagine.
Kidnapping Incident Draws Political Attention
Recently, a video widely circulated on the X platform: The daughter and grandson of the co-founder of French crypto exchange Paymium were recently subjected to an attempted armed kidnapping in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Four masked perpetrators ambushed and tried to forcibly drag the mother and son into a van. The woman fiercely resisted and seized the perpetrator's weapon, causing chaos. After bystanders intervened, the kidnappers fled in panic.
The incident quickly drew public attention and even alarmed the French political circles. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has announced that he will urgently convene crypto industry practitioners this Friday to discuss how to address the increasingly frequent violent kidnapping threats against crypto entrepreneurs.
Global Spread of Crypto Violence
This attempted kidnapping in Paris is just the tip of the iceberg of a series of violent threats facing the crypto industry.
According to statistics from the public tracking tool created and maintained by Casa's Chief Technology Officer Jameson Lopp, as of now, in the first five months of 2025, at least 22 physical attack incidents targeting crypto practitioners or their families have been recorded globally. This number almost matches the total for the entire year of 2023 (24 cases) and is close to the total for 2024 (32 cases). Worryingly, these are only the publicly disclosed cases, and the real number may be much higher.
The attacks are not limited to a specific region. France, Brazil, Hong Kong, the Philippines... Wherever crypto wealth goes, violence risks spread accordingly. We have compiled some cases:
How to Build a Safety Barrier in Life?
On-chain addresses expose asset scale, social media statements reveal activity trajectories, and lifestyle hints at economic capacity. When risks spread from the virtual world to real life, how can we protect our personal and family safety?
True safety begins with awareness and is implemented in every life detail. ChainCatcher has compiled some practical suggestions to help you build a real safety barrier from daily life:
Low-key is the Most Reliable Protection
Avoid showing off your assets, transaction profit screenshots, etc. If you are a public-identity KOL or trader, it is recommended to "desensitize" your on-chain address to avoid directly associating your identity with massive assets.
Do Not Casually Reveal Location Information
Many people are used to posting content like "just arrived in Singapore" or "tonight at a gathering in Central, Hong Kong" on social media, which greatly reduces the cost of "precise tracking". It is recommended to delay posting location updates and avoid disclosing permanent residence, travel routes, and hotel addresses. During industry conferences, try to keep accommodation and itinerary confidential.
Isolate On-chain and Real-world Identities
High-net-worth wallets should be disconnected from social identities. Avoid setting ENS domain names, address abbreviations, and X usernames too similarly to reduce the possibility of social graph restoration.
Be Cautious About Meetings, Verify Friends
Some criminals are setting traps under the guise of "business negotiations" or "offline meetings". In over-the-counter transactions, choose public places with surveillance (such as Starbucks, office building lobbies), inform friends of your whereabouts in advance, and set up a timed safety check-in mechanism.
Make "Home" Part of the Safety System
Consider using commercial addresses to receive packages. Install smart locks, cameras, and alarm systems, which not only enhance vigilance but also provide a means of counteraction when danger occurs.
Safety Awareness is a Family "Consensus Protocol"
Safety awareness should not be the responsibility of an individual alone. Even if you remain vigilant, family members, children, or assistants should also have basic prevention awareness, such as not revealing location information or asset status on the phone, and knowing how to identify phishing emails and scam messages. For high-net-worth individuals, the entire family may become a potential target, so all members should receive basic education in digital and physical safety.
Preset Emergency Response Plan
If you manage a large amount of crypto assets, it is recommended to develop an "emergency strategy" to ensure that funds cannot be quickly transferred even if attacked. At the same time, establish an "emergency code" mechanism with trusted contacts, allowing you to send a help signal even if threatened. For high-risk groups, consider purchasing "kidnapping and ransom insurance" or hiring a professional security team.
Wealth is Visible, Safety is Priceless
When violence becomes the most primitive "private key extractor", no amount of 2FA can help. We are accustomed to defending assets but often overlook the most vulnerable part: our own flesh and blood.
Cold wallets can protect wealth, but a calm security awareness can save lives.
Disclaimer: As a blockchain information platform, the articles published on this site represent only the personal views of the authors and guests, and are not related to Web3Caff's stance. The information in the article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice or offer. Please comply with the relevant laws and regulations of your country or region.
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