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- Crypto kidnappings are rising as attackers use physical force to demand Bitcoin.
- The U.S. has led globally in such incidents since 2019, despite a sharp increase in France this year.
- Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America report the highest numbers of these crimes.
Digital criminals are changing tactics. Instead of stealing assets online, many now turn to physical violence. Recent data from Binance reveals a growing number of crypto kidnappings worldwide. Criminals are using threats and force to access Bitcoin and other digital funds.
The greatest number of cases have been reported by the United States since 2019. Victims range from cryptocurrency traders and businessmen to family members. They carry out abductions from homes and along roads.
Attackers frequently demand payments in Bitcoin. There have already been 15 reported cases in 2025. It is a trend that follows the recent surge in value of Bitcoin. The greater the value, the bolder and the riskier the crimes.
France Emerges as a Crypto Crime Hotspot
Europe has recorded the highest number of kidnappings related to cryptocurrency, with 59 cases spanning six years. France has emerged to be a hotspot. France registered six cases, of which three have occurred already this year.
A kidnapper abducted a co-founder of Ledger and his wife from their home. Another attempt involved targeting the family of a local cryptocurrency exchange CEO. Asia has also experienced a surge.
The area has 62 cases since 2019, with Southeast Asia having been the most affected. The region’s criminals tend to target foreigners and tourist populations, assuming they possess digital assets. The attackers followed victims through multiple cities in a few instances.
48 cases were registered in North America, most in the U.S. There was a serious case in New York. Police found and rescued an Italian tourist who had been kept and mistreated in a luxurious flat for several weeks.The abductor reportedly asked to access the victim’s crypto assets.
Crypto Wealth Now a Real-World Risk
According to Binance’s research, there exists a correlation between the market behavior of Bitcoin and increased kidnappings. As cryptocurrency prices surge, attacks also tend to follow. The targets are selected through perceived access to large balances.
Criminals tend to identify and track targets through social media or business reports. The trend highlights a sinister development of the cryptoverse. Physical violence has emerged as a means of digital stealing. The risk no longer lies solely within the cyber world, with real effects spilling over into the physical world concerning those involved in crypt.
Since bitcoin is so in demand, there are even more potential targets. The criminals are no longer just trying to steal through hacking or cyber extortion. Now they are employing actual violence to steal online assets.
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