Crypto Assets kidnapping cases are frequent, and the "ATM" in the crypto world has become the number one target.

In recent years, with the surge in the value of Crypto Assets, there has been an explosive increase in kidnapping cases targeting Crypto Assets holders. According to incomplete statistics, there were approximately 7 cases of "physical-level" Crypto kidnappings, home invasions, or violent threats in 2022; this number doubled to 15-18 in 2023; and continued to grow to around 20 in 2024, with the average amount involved in each case being higher, and several cases having ransoms or losses exceeding one million dollars; in the first half of 2025, there have already been 34 cases, far exceeding previous years and setting a new historical record.

These cases are typically classified as "ransom attacks". Even if the victims have the most secure cold wallets and encryption protection measures, they ultimately cannot resist physical violence. Attackers usually employ tactics such as breaking and entering, armed threats, and binding torture to force victims to disclose their mnemonic phrases or make transfers. Some criminals disguise themselves as police officers, agents, or insurance personnel, luring victims into enclosed spaces before striking. There are also cases involving acquaintances or sexual seduction ambushes, as well as organized crime groups operating across borders.

Bali Tragedy: A Tragedy in Paradise

On May 1, 2023, a 22-year-old Chinese couple was found dead in a five-star hotel in Bali, Indonesia. After investigation, the police concluded that it was a "murder-suicide". However, the details of the case have sparked widespread discussion in the crypto world. There are rumors that the deceased were involved in the crypto world, and the male may have held crypto assets worth approximately 200 million RMB.

Another rumor circulating in the community is that this may be related to the underground flow of funds in the Southeast Asian region. Some speculate that the male deceased may have embezzled funds from certain forces, ultimately facing retaliation. However, these are merely speculations, and the truth remains unclear.

Bali, as a tourist destination, has seen multiple criminal cases related to Crypto Assets in recent years. At the beginning of 2023, a crypto blogger was robbed at home locally, losing $284,000 in Bitcoin. At the end of 2021, an Italian couple was kidnapped in their villa by assailants, losing $374,000 in Crypto Assets.

Child Debt Parent Repayment: The Kidnapping Case in Connecticut

In August 2024, an astonishing kidnapping case occurred in Connecticut, USA. Sushil, a vice president at Morgan Stanley, and his wife were violently kidnapped while viewing a house in an upscale community. However, there is a bigger secret hidden behind this case.

The police investigation found that the true target of the kidnapping was Sushil's 18-year-old son, Veer Chetal. Veer is a high school graduate but secretly participated in a $250 million Crypto Assets theft case. He and several online friends formed a "dark web group" and used social engineering techniques to steal 4,100 coins from an early Bitcoin player.

Veer lives a lavish lifestyle with this large sum of money, buying luxury cars, jewelry, and attending nightclub parties. It was during a nightclub altercation that the kidnappers learned about Veer's possession of a large amount of Crypto Assets, leading to the planning of this kidnapping case.

The case was ultimately solved, and Veer pleaded guilty and agreed to testify in exchange for a reduced sentence. He could face around 20 years in prison and may also be deported. His father lost his job at Morgan Stanley because of this matter.

Hal Finney's Final Days

Hal Finney was an important contributor to Bitcoin's early development and is believed by many to possibly be Satoshi Nakamoto. However, in the last few months of his battle with ALS, he faced a heartbreaking extortion.

In the winter of 2014, a hacker used "Swatting" (maliciously reporting a false emergency) to cause heavily armed SWAT teams to storm into Finney's home. This hacker had previously extorted Finney for a month, demanding 1000 coins.

Although Finney, as an early Bitcoin participant, owned a considerable amount of Bitcoin, most of the funds were used for expensive ALS treatment. The ongoing harassment and threats from hackers severely affected the quality of life in Finney's final stages of life. Finney's wife, Fran, later recalled: "It took away his final peace."

Hal Finney passed away on August 28, 2014.

The Nightmare on a Snowy Night of Ledger Co-founder

In January 2025, David Balland, co-founder of the renowned cold wallet company Ledger in France, experienced a thrilling kidnapping case. In the early hours of the morning, a group of masked robbers broke into David's home in a small town in central France and kidnapped him and his partner.

David was taken to an abandoned warehouse dozens of kilometers away, where he was tortured. The kidnappers forced him to contact Ledger to pay the ransom and demanded payment in cryptocurrency only. Meanwhile, David's partner was locked up in a van south of Paris.

French police deployed 230 gendarmes and 91 special forces members, successfully rescuing two hostages after less than 48 hours of effort. The police arrested 10 suspects in the suburbs of Paris, including 9 men and 1 woman, aged from their 20s to 40s.

After being rescued, David was taken to the hospital for treatment. He suffered serious physical injuries during his kidnapping, including having a finger severed. This case has caused a stir in France, highlighting the security threats faced by individuals in the Crypto Assets industry.

Dazzling Father’s "E Guardian"

In May 2021, a shocking family tragedy occurred in Maryland, USA. A young man named Liam drugged his father with a cup of tea, intending to steal $400,000 worth of Bitcoin from his father's account.

Liam was once his father's "financial advisor"; the two invested in Crypto Assets together and made considerable profits. However, Liam gradually became addicted to drugs, severely impairing his judgment. When his father double-locked their investment account, Liam decided to take extreme measures.

After administering the drug, Liam successfully transferred the Crypto Assets from his father's account and left a note claiming it was for the benefit of both parties. However, he underestimated the dangers of the drug, which caused his father to fall into a coma for two days, nearly resulting in death.

Ultimately, Liam was sentenced to 125 days in jail, mandatory drug rehabilitation, and 20 years of probation for first-degree felony assault. This case highlights the potential risks that Crypto Assets investment can pose to family relationships, as well as how drug addiction can distort a person's judgment.

These cases indicate that as the value of Crypto Assets rises, related crimes are also continuously evolving. Whether ordinary investors or industry celebrities, everyone faces potential security threats. While enjoying the conveniences brought by Crypto Assets, how to protect one's own security has become a problem that cannot be ignored.