Binance report: US leads in crypto kidnappings since 2019, despite France’s recent surge, with 48 cases in North America vs. 59 in Europe.
Fifty-nine crypto abduction incidents have occurred in Europe over the past six years, making it the region with the highest number of such incidents. During the same period, 48 cases were observed in North America.
The number of crypto kidnappings is on the rise as criminals resort to physical force to steal digital assets
Although crypto has been notoriously popular for hacks and digital malicious exploits, criminals are now discovering a new method of stealing digital assets through tangible threats.
Nevertheless, these attacks are not restricted to a specific region. Although North America and Europe continue to be the most susceptible regions to such incidents, there has been a rise in the number of attacks in other regions.
Since 2019, 62 instances of crypto kidnappings and physical threats have been documented throughout the entire Asian continent. The preponderance of these incidents occurred in Southeast Asian countries.
Six such cases have been observed in France in recent years, with three occurring in 2025 alone. Individuals presumed to possess or supervise digital assets are frequently the targets of assailants. Crypto executives, traders, exchange personnel, and business owners comprise the victims.
In certain instances, criminals have pursued their family members or vacationers suspected of possessing valuable wallet credentials.
The Increasing Physical Danger of Cryptocurrency
In January, one of the most severe incidents of the year transpired. David Balland, a co-founder of Ledger, and his wife were abducted from their residence in France. The case garnered significant attention from both law enforcement and the industry.
An additional attempt was made in Paris earlier this month. According to reports, the daughter and grandchild of the CEO of the French crypto exchange Paymium were attempted to be abducted by armed men.
In New York, police apprehended 37-year-old John Woeltz after they discovered that an Italian tourist had been held captive and assaulted in a high-end Manhattan apartment for weeks.
Binance emphasizes a distinct correlation between tangible crime and cryptocurrency prices. Attacks involving physical threats have also increased since Bitcoin reached an all-time high this year.
At least 15 such incidents have been documented thus far in 2025, with a significant number involving Bitcoin ransom demands.
The willingness of assailants to transition offline, employing intimidation and violence to gain access to funds, appears to be increasing as digital asset values increase.
