US overtakes France in cryptocurrency-related kidnappings

According to the latest report from Binance, the United States has recorded the highest number of cryptocurrency-related kidnapping cases since 2019, although the number of cases in France has also increased recently. Europe remains the region with the most cryptocurrency-related kidnappings, with 59 cases in the past 6 years. North America recorded 48 cases during the same period.

Cryptocurrency Kidnapping Situation

Although cryptocurrency is notorious for hacks and digital attacks, criminals are now seeking new ways to steal digital physical threats.

However, these attacks are not limited to one region. Although North America and Europe remain the most vulnerable areas, other regions have also seen an increase in attack cases. Across Asia, 62 cryptocurrency-related physical kidnappings and threats have been recorded since 2019. Most of these cases occurred in Southeast Asian countries.

France has recently recorded six such cases, with three occurring only in 2025. Attackers typically target individuals believed believed to hold or manage digital assets. Victims include cryptocurrency executives, traders, exchange employees, and business owners.

In some cases, criminals have targeted family members victims or tourists suspected of carrying valuable wallet information.

Increasing Physical Threat of CryptoLedger co-founder, and his wife were kidnapped from their residence in France. The incidentdattracted widespread attention from both the enforcement industry and law enforcement><.

police arrested John Woeltz, 37 years old after discovering an Italian tourist held and abused for weeks in a Manhattan Manhattan apartment.

Binance highlighted a clear pattern between cryptocurrency prices and physical crime. Since Bitcoin reached its-Time-High this year,>,, threat-related attacks have also increased.

Cryptocurrency kidnappings increase as Bitcoin price rises. Source: Binance

So far in 2025, at,15 such cases have been recorded have been recorded—many involving Bitcoin ransom demands.

As digital asset values increase, attackmore willing to transition to offline activities, using violence and threats to and funds.