The cryptocurrency market is soaring, with Bitcoin reaching an all-time high of $112,000 in May 2025. But alongside this wealth comes a dark trend: crypto kidnappings. Criminals are targeting high-net-worth crypto holders and their families, exploiting the anonymity and high value of digital assets to extort millions. In 2025, 27 violent crypto-related kidnappings have been reported globally, up from just 7 in 2022. This article dives into notable incidents and offers practical steps to secure your crypto and personal safety.
High-Profile Crypto Kidnappings in 2025
Criminals are using brutal tactics—torture, mutilation, and threats—to force victims to surrender private keys. Here are some of the most shocking cases from 2025:
- Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan (USA): On May 6, 2025, a 28-year-old Italian tourist was abducted in New York City by crypto investors John Woeltz and William Duplessie. Held for 17 days in a Manhattan townhouse, Carturan endured torture, including beatings and electric shocks, as the kidnappers demanded access to his $28 million Bitcoin wallet. He escaped on May 23, bloodied and barefoot, leading to the arrest of his captors.
- David Balland and Wife (France): In January 2025, David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, and his wife were kidnapped from their home in central France. The attackers severed one of Balland’s fingers, demanding a €10 million ($11.4 million) ransom in cryptocurrency. French police rescued the couple within days, apprehending nine suspects, including a mix of local criminals and international operatives.
- Father of Crypto Millionaire (France): In May 2025, a 60-year-old father of a crypto millionaire was abducted in Paris. Held in an Airbnb, he was tortured, with one finger cut off, as kidnappers demanded €5-7 million from his son. Elite French forces rescued him, arresting five suspects linked to a broader crypto crime ring.
- Stephane Winkel’s Wife (Belgium): In December 2024, the wife of crypto influencer Stephane Winkel was kidnapped from their Belgian home. The perpetrators, who tracked Winkel’s public crypto conference appearances, demanded a crypto ransom. She was freed after a dramatic police chase ended in a crash, with four men arrested.
- Pierre Noizat’s Family (France): On May 13, 2025, an attempted kidnapping targeted the pregnant daughter and young grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat in Paris. The plot was foiled by the daughter’s husband and a neighbor, leading to 25 arrests, including six minors, revealing a sophisticated network targeting crypto executives.
- Dean Skurka (Canada): In late 2024, WonderFi’s CEO was kidnapped and forced to transfer $1 million in cryptocurrency. The incident, linked to a data breach exposing his wealth, ended with his release after payment.
- Mohammed Arsalan (Pakistan): A local crypto trader was abducted in 2024 and coerced into transferring $340,000 via Binance. Seven suspects, including a Counter-Terrorism Department officer, were arrested in January 2025, highlighting insider threats.
These incidents, fueled by data breaches like Coinbase’s May 2025 hack exposing 70,000 users’ details, show how criminals exploit public displays of wealth—think social media flexes or conference appearances—to identify targets. The anonymity of crypto transactions makes them a perfect tool for extortion, with ransoms often moved through untraceable wallets.
A husband was hit on the head several times while trying to protect his family.
The quick thinking of a woman helped her disarm the attacker, which disrupted the gang’s plan.
Police later recovered a replica air gun that showed the attackers wanted to scare people.
— Crypto Jargon (@Crypto_Jargon) May 14, 2025
How to Secure Your Crypto and Safety
With crypto kidnappings on the rise, protecting your assets and personal safety is critical. Here’s how to stay safe:
Secure Your Assets:
- Cold Storage: Keep most of your crypto in offline hardware wallets, like Ledger or Trezor, to reduce hacking risks.
- Multi-Signature Wallets: Use wallets requiring multiple keys for transactions, ensuring no single point of failure.
- Spread Funds: Distribute assets across multiple wallets to limit losses if one is compromised.
Protect Your Identity:
Stay Discreet: Avoid flaunting crypto wealth on social media or at public events. High-profile investors like the Bitcoin Family have faced threats after publicizing their holdings.
Use Pseudonyms: Conduct transactions under aliases to avoid linking your identity to your crypto wealth.
Secure Data: Use VPNs, encrypted apps like Signal, and strong, unique passwords to protect against data breaches.
Physical Safety Measures:
Home Security: Install high-quality cameras, alarms, and reinforced locks. French police now offer security audits for crypto holders in high-risk areas.
Travel Smart: Avoid sharing travel plans online and vary daily routines to deter stalking or targeting.
K&R Insurance: Explore kidnap and ransom policies tailored for crypto investors, offered by firms like AnchorWatch and Evertas.
Prepare for Threats:
Emergency Protocols: Share wallet access protocols with trusted contacts, but never store all keys in one place.
Collaborate with Authorities: In high-risk regions, register with local law enforcement for priority response, as implemented in France post-2025 incidents.
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The Bigger Picture
Crypto kidnappings reflect the darker side of the 2025 crypto boom, driven by Bitcoin’s surge and altcoin momentum. The high value and anonymity of digital assets make them a magnet for criminals, especially as data leaks and public exposure create target lists. With global incidents rising, crypto investors must prioritize security.
Stay vigilant, secure your wallets, and keep your personal details private. For the latest crypto trends and safety tips, follow Pumpex.vip.
Disclaimer: Crypto investments and personal safety carry risks. Always verify information and consult professionals for security advice.
