Main Takeaways
While extremely rare compared to the overall number of such incidents, kidnappings targeting crypto investors and professionals have been on the rise this year alongside the recent crypto market rallies.
The geographic distribution of physical attacks on crypto holders is wide, with North America, Western Europe, and Southeast Asia being the most affected regions, and victims are often individuals with public exposure or presumed direct access to digital assets.
To mitigate these threats, crypto holders must adopt proactive security practices, including reducing online exposure, enhancing social media privacy, and practicing situational awareness to protect themselves and their assets.
With bitcoin smashing through consecutive all-time highs and the broader crypto market buzzing with renewed energy, it's an exciting time for digital asset holders. But as the charts climb, so does a darker trend: real-world attacks targeting individuals known to hold cryptocurrency.
Let’s be clear: muggings and theft have always been part of human experience, and unfortunately, they remain a prominent threat throughout the world today. Attacks on crypto owners represent a minuscule share of the overall number of such incidents, and people are still much more likely to get attacked over a luxury watch, necklace, or cash. Yet, incidents involving crypto owners tend to capture public imagination as they are often targeted, may involve high-profile individuals, and transcend the boundary between the digital and physical worlds.
The Binance Physical Security team has been closely monitoring the incidents and has distilled key insights into the scope of the risk, who is being targeted, and what steps users can take to stay safe from this age-old threat that in the digital age could endanger not just their physical possessions but crypto holdings as well.
Scoping the Threat
In January 2025, one of the most high-profile cases to date shook the industry: David Balland, co-founder of hardware wallet company Ledger, and his wife were kidnapped from their home in France. Thanks to a swift and large-scale intervention by French authorities, including elite tactical units, the couple was rescued, and ten suspects were arrested.
However unique, this case is not isolated. Our data shows an increase in the number of publicly reported physical attacks on crypto users since 2021, with the BTC price strongly correlated with the number of such incidents. As the industry’s digital defenses become more robust, criminals are increasingly shifting to real-world tactics.
In 2019, only one incident was recorded, while 15 kidnapping cases were already reported in the first five months of 2025. These numbers are still marginal compared to the overall global number of kidnappings, which varies dramatically between estimates but measures in tens of thousands per year. Still, as the adoption of crypto keeps growing exponentially and prices rise, this threat is unlikely to go away – and the best a crypto user can do is being aware and vigilant.
Where and Who: Trends Behind the Attacks
Physical attacks aren't limited to any single region. North America leads with 48 confirmed physical attacks between 2019 and today, followed by Western Europe (35), Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia (24 each), East Asia (18), South Asia (11), and the Middle East (9). The top countries for kidnapping cases specifically are the United States (10), France (6), Ukraine (5), Russia (4), and India (4).
Victims are typically individuals with public exposure or presumed direct access to digital assets. Business owners, professional traders, exchange employees, and crypto company executives are frequent targets in the majority of these premeditated attacks. In several cases, even family members of high-profile figures and tourists have found themselves at risk.
How to Stay Safe
Staying safe in this environment requires more than just good digital hygiene: it means taking proactive measures in your personal life to obscure, deflect, and reduce potential risk. Criminals are looking for careless mistakes online, watching behaviors, and exploiting moments of vulnerability in their potential victims. Below are key areas to focus on, each paired with actionable steps you can take today.
1. Reduce Online Exposure
In crypto, visibility that is not thoughtful can become a vulnerability, and your public crypto identity can potentially make you a target. Being vocal or proud of your holdings is understandable, but you should also be mindful of the risks.
Avoid sharing crypto ownership on public platforms, including podcasts, interviews, or open forums.
Never post screenshots of wallet balances or transaction histories.
If possible, create separate identities or pseudonyms for your crypto activities.
2. Harden Social Media Privacy
Attackers often build their plans from the details we voluntarily share online. Geotagged photos, casual check-ins, or travel stories can become intelligence for a kidnapping or attack where large amounts of digital funds are involved.
Set personal accounts to private.
Remove geolocation metadata from your photos before posting.
Avoid sharing travel plans or current locations until after you've left.
3. Obfuscate Wallet Ownership
Linking blockchain activity to a real-world identity is a gift to bad actors. Every additional layer of anonymity you can implement reduces your exposure to targeted threats.
Use privacy-preserving wallets and tools when interacting on-chain.
Avoid reusing wallet addresses that could connect your activity over time.
Steer clear of publicly associating your name with wallet addresses.
4. Practice Situational Awareness
When you are a public person, your physical movements and routines can be observed, predicted, and exploited. Operational security extends beyond the digital and into everyday life.
Refrain from traveling to high-risk areas unless necessary, and if you do, always ensure adequate security measures.
Vary travel routines and use discretion when attending crypto-related events or conferences.
Consider physical security audits for your home or office.
5. Build Emergency Contingency Plans
Being prepared can limit the damage of a worst-case scenario. Knowing what to do and having tools in place can offer both safety and peace of mind.
Create a crisis response plan with trusted family or associates.
Use multi-signature wallets or hardware security modules to prevent forced transactions.
If you suspect you're under threat, contact local authorities or professional security teams immediately.
Collaborative Security in Action
Binance is deeply engaged in countering these perennial threats as they make their way into the world of crypto. Our teams support users and law enforcement with rapid response and advanced blockchain analytics. In one notable case, Binance's swift assistance was instrumental in helping Hong Kong police resolve a crypto-related kidnapping, earning formal recognition for our contribution.
When minutes matter, the ability to trace funds in real time can make all the difference. We remain committed to proactively assisting law enforcement in investigations and protecting users through enhanced operational security support.
Final Thoughts
As crypto adoption grows and digital wealth becomes a visible part of public life, the importance of physical security cannot be overstated. This is not just about protecting assets, but sometimes, protecting people. Vigilance, discretion, and preparation are now essential to participating in Web3, especially for crypto professionals and investors with significant holdings. Still, remember that no one is immune.
At Binance, we will continue working with partners and authorities worldwide to build a safer crypto ecosystem. But security starts with you. Be mindful, cautious, and always stay one step ahead.
