- The US reports the highest number of crypto kidnapping cases since 2019, despite recent spikes in France.
- Rising Bitcoin prices correlate with increased physical attacks demanding Bitcoin ransom payments.
- Crypto kidnappings target executives, traders, and family members, highlighting growing physical risks worldwide.
The United States has reported the highest number of cryptocurrency-related kidnapping cases since 2019, despite a recent surge in France. According to a Binance report, these incidents involve attackers physically intimidating victims to demand Bitcoin payments. While Europe remains the region with the most cases overall, the US leads individually in reported happenings, signaling a growing trend of fierce crime linked to digital assets.
Regional Distribution of Crypto Kidnappings Since 2019
Europe accounts for 59 crypto kidnapping cases over the past six years, followed closely by North America with 48 cases. Asia recorded 62 such incidents during the same period, primarily in Southeast Asian countries. France has experienced a notable increase recently, with six kidnappings, including three in 2025 alone. These cases often target individuals believed to control significant digital asset holdings.
Victims include crypto executives, traders, exchange employees, and business owners. In some instances, criminals have targeted family members or tourists suspected of carrying crypto wallet credentials. The crimes involve physical abduction, threats, and ransom demands paid in Bitcoin, reflecting a shift from purely digital hacking to direct, violent coercion.
Among the most serious cases this year is the January abduction of David Balland, Ledger’s co-founder, and his wife in France. This incident drew significant attention from law enforcement and the crypto community. Another attempted kidnapping occurred earlier this month in Paris, where armed men reportedly tried to abduct the family of Paymium’s CEO.
As this continues, In the US, authorities arrested John Woeltz in New York after discovering an Italian tourist held captive and abused for several weeks in a Manhattan apartment. The case highlights the extent to which criminals are now using physical violence to access digital assets.
Link Between Bitcoin Prices and Physical Crypto Crimes
Binance’s data shows a correlation between rising Bitcoin prices and crypto kidnapping. As Bitcoin reached record highs in 2025, the number of crypto kidnapping cases climbed to at least 15 documented incidents this year alone. Attackers appear increasingly willing to use offline violence and intimidation to extract cryptocurrency payments.
They prove that anyone managing digital assets faces real safety risks. The increasing worth of cryptocurrencies appears to have made criminals use stronger methods. Authorities all over the world are keeping an eye on and acting on these threats because cybercriminals are now mixing cybercrime with real violence.
Until now, the outbreak has mostly hit Europe and North America, yet Asia’s rise in cases reveals it is a problem for everyone. Increased physical crimes through crypto are new hurdles facing police and business leaders in this industry. This development calls for better security for anyone working with cryptocurrencies.
As crypto currencies become more popular and increase in value, the number of kidnappings and direct threats could go up as well. Efforts by law enforcement are being intensified to capture those responsible for threatening the public. As a result, the community working with cryptocurrencies is very aware of these physical risks associated with digital wealth.
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