Experts warn: At least one Bitcoin holder is kidnapped every week, KYC data leaks become the trigger for crime (Background: Kidnapping for ransom, fatal murders, serial cases, five recorded cryptocurrency cases) (Additional background: The 'Douyin cryptocurrency flaunting KOL' who was kidnapped has no money, French criminals were stunned and let them go: 'It's sad to be poorer than me') Bitcoin has repeatedly hit new highs in 2025, attracting a large influx of funds into the cryptocurrency market; however, along with rising prices, there are also threats to the personal safety of holders. Alena Vranova, founder of SatoshiLabs, the parent company of the world's largest hardware wallet maker Trezor, bluntly stated at the Baltic Honey Badger conference that now 'at least one Bitcoin holder is kidnapped globally every week.' This warning brings the long-ignored physical risks of the crypto world to the forefront. The frequency of violent 'wrench attacks' has doubled, and victims are no longer just whales. According to Vranova, so-called 'wrench attacks' refer to criminals threatening or using violence to force victims to hand over private keys or make transfers on the spot. 'We have seen kidnappings for just holding $6,000 worth of Bitcoin, and we've also seen murders over $50,000.' On-chain analysis firm Chainalysis estimates that the number of related cases in 2025 could double compared to the historically worst year. This shows that the bull market not only raises the value of crypto assets but also increases the incentive for crime, and the target has long expanded to small and medium investors. KYC becomes a double-edged sword, leaked identity information turns into a kidnapping list. Vranova pointed out that the 'Know Your Customer' (KYC) procedures of centralized exchanges are one of the sources of risk. To comply with regulations, platforms collect user names, phone numbers, and addresses; once the database is breached, sensitive information may flow into the black market. She noted: 'More than 80 million pieces of cryptocurrency user data have been circulating online, of which 2.2 million include addresses.' In May of this year, Coinbase experienced a small-scale leak that included address information; in June, Cybernews revealed a massive database integrating 16 billion credential sets from Apple and Facebook, among others. When hackers combine this personal data with on-chain asset analysis, they can accurately target high-value victims, creating an almost ready-made 'shopping list.' What investors can do: Three lines of defense for privacy, physical security, and operational security. In the face of threats, merely guarding private keys is no longer enough. Experts recommend establishing three lines of defense: First, strengthen personal privacy by avoiding discussions of holdings on social media and considering the use of non-custodial wallets or privacy coins. Second, enhance physical security, such as installing cloud backup cameras, and changing commuting routes and times to reduce predictability. Third, implement strict 'operational security' (OpSec), using multi-signature wallets, setting transaction delays, multi-factor authentication, and creating independent complex passwords for different platforms. For high-net-worth individuals, seeking professional security assistance is also a viable option. Regulators and the community must seek a balance together, and technological innovation still requires time. The current dilemma is that KYC and anti-money laundering regulations help curb financial crimes but threaten user safety due to data centralization. How to balance 'compliance and transparency' with 'privacy protection' tests the policy design of regulators and the industry. At the community level, users must actively raise awareness of security and internalize good operating habits. Technologically, new tools like zero-knowledge proofs are expected to provide better privacy in the future, but widespread adoption still requires time. For now, this tug-of-war surrounding crypto wealth is destined to be a long-term battle. In 2025, as Bitcoin prices continue to hit historical highs, if investors want to truly profit in the bull market, they must first dance with risk. Mastering safety rules and reducing digital footprints is essential to enjoy the freedom of decentralized finance while staying away from the threat of 'wrench attacks.' Related reports: The US-China tariff war affects Bitcoin mining company CleanSpark, facing $185 million in tariffs due to imported BTC mining machines. This girl challenges '21 days living only on Bitcoin' on Women's Island in Mexico. Bitcoin's market share falls below 60%, creating a six-month low; is a new round of 'altcoin season' coming? 'Bitcoin users are kidnapped every week,' experts warn: Centralized exchange KYC leaks are the main cause. This article was first published in BlockTempo (the most influential blockchain news media).

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