22 kidnappings in 5 months, encryption wealth triggers "murderous intent"

Author: Fairy, ChainCatcher

Editor: TB, ChainCatcher

Where do you live? What time do you usually leave? Have you ever posted about 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, not only institutions are paying attention, but violent criminals are also targeting on-chain wealth and you off-chain.

The wave of violence involving kidnapping, coercion, and extortion may be more serious than we imagine.

The kidnapping incident has drawn attention from the political circles.

Recently, a video has spread widely on the X platform: the daughter of the co-founder of the French cryptocurrency exchange Paymium and her grandson were recently the targets of an attempted armed kidnapping in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Four masked assailants ambushed them, trying to forcibly drag the mother and child into a van. The woman fiercely resisted and managed to seize the assailant's weapon, causing chaos, and after bystanders intervened, the kidnappers fled in a panic.

The incident quickly drew public attention and even alarmed the French political arena. 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.

! 22 kidnappings in 5 months, crypto wealth provokes "killing"

The global spread of crypto violence

This attempted kidnapping incident in Paris is just the tip of the iceberg of a series of violent threats facing the cryptocurrency industry.

According to statistics from the publicly tracking tool created and maintained by Casa's Chief Technology Officer Jameson Lopp, there have been at least 22 recorded physical attacks against cryptocurrency practitioners or their relatives in the first five months of 2025 alone. This number is nearly equal to the total for the entire year of 2023 (24 incidents) and close to the total for 2024 (32 incidents). Worryingly, these are only the publicly disclosed cases, and the real number may be much higher.

Attacks are not limited to a specific region. France, Brazil, Hong Kong, the Philippines... wherever cryptocurrency wealth goes, the risk of violence spreads accordingly. We have compiled some cases:

! 22 kidnappings in 5 months, crypto wealth provokes "killing"

How to build a safety barrier in life?

On-chain addresses expose asset scale, statements on social media reveal activity traces, and lifestyle suggests economic strength. When risks spread from the virtual world to real life, how should we protect ourselves and our family's personal and property safety?

Real security begins with awareness and is implemented in every detail of life. ChainCatcher has compiled some practical suggestions to help you establish a true security defense from your daily routine:

Low profile is the most reliable layer of protection

Try to avoid exposing your assets, transaction profit screenshots, etc. If you are a public figure, KOL, or trader, it is recommended to "anonymize" your on-chain address to avoid directly associating your identity with large assets.

Do not disclose location information casually

Many people are used to posting content on social media like "Just arrived in Singapore" or "Meeting in Central, Hong Kong tonight," which greatly reduces the cost of being "targeted precisely." It is recommended to delay posting location updates to avoid disclosing your permanent residence, travel routes, and hotel addresses. During industry conferences, try to keep your accommodation and itinerary confidential.

Ensure proper separation between on-chain and real-world identities

High-net-worth wallets should try to detach from social identity associations. Avoid making ENS domain names, address abbreviations, and X usernames too similar to reduce the likelihood of social graphs being reconstructed.

Meetings require caution, and friends need to be verified

Some criminals are setting traps under the guise of "business negotiations" and "offline meetings." In over-the-counter transactions, it is advisable to choose monitored public places (such as Starbucks or office building lobbies), inform friends of your whereabouts in advance, and establish a regular check-in mechanism for safety.

Set "home" as a part of the security system

Consider using a business address to receive deliveries. Installing smart locks, cameras, and alarm systems can not only enhance security but also create countermeasures in case of danger.

Security awareness is a "consensus agreement" among family members

Security awareness should not be solely the responsibility of individuals. Even if one remains vigilant, family members, children, or assistants should have a basic level of preventive awareness, 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 for attacks, so all members should receive basic education on digital and physical security.

Emergency Response Plan

If you manage a large volume of cryptocurrency assets, it is advisable to establish an "emergency strategy" to ensure that funds can be prevented from being quickly transferred even in the event of an attack. At the same time, establish an "emergency code" mechanism with trusted contacts so that a distress signal can be sent in case of coercion. 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 have long been accustomed to fortifying our assets, yet we often overlook the most vulnerable part: our own flesh and blood.

Cold wallets can protect wealth, and a calm security awareness is essential to preserve life.