Crypto Security Risks Surge in 2025: Physical Attacks and Kidnappings Target Cryptocurrency Holders Worldwide

2025 has emerged as the most perilous year on record for cryptocurrency holders, with an unprecedented spike in physical attacks, kidnappings, and extortion attempts targeting digital asset investors. According to data from Galaxy Digital and analyst Alex Thorn, over 25 physical attacks have been documented globally in just the first half of the year, rapidly approaching or surpassing previous annual records. High-profile cases, such as the kidnapping and rescue of Ledger co-founder David Balland and attempted abductions of other crypto entrepreneurs’ families in countries like France, the UAE, and India, spotlight the heightened risks faced by prominent figures in the crypto space. The majority of incidents are reported in North America, Western Europe, and emerging crypto markets. Amid this backdrop, industry leaders and security experts urge investors to maintain a low online profile, avoid public discussions of their holdings, and implement advanced security measures such as multi-signature wallets and personal protection where warranted. Community calls for systemic responses, like the proposal for a ’Bitcoin Mossad,’ highlight the need for collective defense strategies. This surge in crypto-targeted physical crime underlines the growing intersection of digital asset adoption and real-world security threats, potentially heightening market anxiety and impacting behavior among both individual and institutional traders. As cryptocurrencies gain ground globally, robust personal and communal security practices are becoming integral to investor safety and market stability.