Author: Fairy, ChainCatcher
Editor: TB, ChainCatcher
Where do you live? What time do you usually leave home? Have you ever shared your crypto assets on social media?
These seemingly harmless pieces of information are becoming navigation coordinates for criminals in the real world. As Bitcoin breaks historical highs and crypto assets enter the mainstream spotlight, it's not just institutions that are paying attention; violent criminals are also eyeing on-chain wealth and you off-chain.
The wave of violence involving kidnapping, coercion, and extortion may be more severe than we imagine.
Kidnapping Incident Sparks Political Attention
Recently, a video went viral on the X platform: the daughter and grandson of the co-founder of the French crypto exchange Paymium were recently the targets of an armed kidnapping attempt in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Four masked assailants ambushed them, trying to forcibly drag the mother and child into a van. The woman fought back fiercely and managed to disarm one of the attackers, causing chaos, and after bystanders intervened, the kidnappers fled in panic.
The incident quickly drew public attention and even alarmed the French political sphere. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has announced an emergency meeting this Friday with cryptocurrency industry practitioners to discuss how to respond to the increasing threats of violent kidnappings targeting crypto entrepreneurs.
The Global Spread of Crypto Violence
This attempted kidnapping in Paris is just the tip of the iceberg of the series of violent threats facing the crypto industry.
According to statistics from a public tracking tool created and maintained by Jameson Lopp, CTO of security company Casa, there have been at least 22 recorded physical attacks against crypto practitioners or their relatives globally in the first five months of 2025. This number is nearly on par with the total for the entire year of 2023 (24 incidents) and is approaching the total for 2024 (32 incidents). Worryingly, these are only the publicly disclosed cases; the real numbers may be much higher.
Attacks are not limited to a specific region. France, Brazil, Hong Kong, the Philippines… wherever crypto wealth goes, the risk of violence follows. We have compiled some cases:
How to Build a Safety Barrier in Life?
On-chain addresses expose asset scales, social media posts reveal activity trajectories, and lifestyles hint at economic strength. When risks spread from the virtual world to real life, how can we protect ourselves and our families' personal and property safety?
True safety begins with awareness and is reflected in every detail of life. ChainCatcher has compiled some practical suggestions to help you establish a real safety barrier from your daily life:
- Discretion is the Safest Protection Layer
Try to avoid sharing screenshots of your assets or trading profits. If you are a public figure, KOL, or trader, it is advisable to "anonymize" your on-chain address to avoid directly linking your identity with substantial assets.
- Do Not Disclose Location Information Casually
Many people habitually post on social media about "just arriving in Singapore" or "having a gathering in Central Hong Kong tonight," which significantly lowers the cost of being "targeted." It is recommended to delay posting location updates and avoid publicly sharing your permanent residence, travel routes, and hotel addresses. During industry conferences, try to keep your accommodation and itinerary confidential.
- Isolate On-Chain and Real-World Identities
High-net-worth wallets should be kept as separate as possible from social identities. Avoid making ENS domain names, address abbreviations, and X usernames too similar to reduce the likelihood of social graphs being reconstructed.
- Be Cautious in Meetings; Verify Friends
Some criminals set traps under the guise of "business discussions" or "offline meetings." In over-the-counter transactions, prefer monitored public places (like Starbucks or office building lobbies), inform friends of your whereabouts in advance, and establish a regular check-in mechanism.
- Make "Home" Part of Your Security System
Consider using a commercial address for receiving packages. Install smart locks, cameras, and alarm systems to enhance vigilance and create countermeasures in case of danger.
- Safety Awareness is a "Consensus Protocol" Among Family Members
Safety awareness should not be the sole responsibility of individuals. Even if one remains vigilant, family members, children, or assistants should have basic preventive awareness, such as not disclosing location information or asset status over the phone and knowing how to identify phishing emails and scam messages. For high-net-worth individuals, the entire family can often become potential targets, so all members should receive basic education on digital and physical security.
- Pre-Set Emergency Response Plans
If you manage a significant amount of crypto assets, it is advisable to develop an "emergency strategy" to ensure that even if attacked, funds can be prevented from being quickly transferred. Additionally, establish an "emergency code" mechanism with trusted contacts to signal for help if coerced. For high-risk groups, consider purchasing "kidnapping and ransom insurance" or hiring a professional security team.
Visible Wealth, Priceless Safety
When violence becomes the most primitive "private key extractor," no amount of 2FA can help. We have long been accustomed to securing our assets but often overlook the most vulnerable part: our own physical bodies.
Cold wallets can protect wealth, but a calm security awareness is what can preserve life.
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