Crypto Kidnapping: How Armed Gangs are Hunting the Internet’s High Rollers
As we enter the festive period, many people are travelling more, attending events, and following more predictable routines. That can increase personal exposure — and it’s why we’re sharing this advisory on a growing risk linked to crypto: kidnapping, home invasion and coercion intended to force victims to hand over private keys or approve transfers (often referred to as “wrench attacks”).
The attached Priavo Security Insight describes a shift from hacking to coercion. Even where wallets and platforms are well secured, some criminals are increasingly targeting individuals and families directly, using surveillance, intimidation and violence to obtain access quickly.
The full report is attached for those who want the detailed context, incident examples and recommended controls:
The report highlights the scale and direction of travel: 231 documented physical attacks against crypto holders in the last 18 months (including kidnappings, home invasions, torture and extortion), with fatalities recorded; and at least 6 deaths directly linked to crypto-related abductions and extortion, with incidents continuing to trend upward into 2025. It also cites a mid-2025 review estimating US$1.9bn stolen in crypto-related crime by mid-2025 (including cyber theft), alongside expert concern that physical coercion is growing quickly because it targets the human element.
Practical steps
• Lower your visibility: avoid discussing holdings, custody arrangements, or security measures in public settings; limit real-time posting of travel or event attendance.
• Review travel posture: vary routes and timings, avoid predictable patterns, and use vetted transport/accommodation for higher-profile travel.
• Separate daily-use and long-term holdings: keep spending wallets distinct from long-term storage; reduce what’s immediately accessible.
• Use multi-party controls: consider multi-signature / multi-approver processes so one person under duress cannot move all assets.
• Strengthen “human” security: brief family and close staff on suspicious approaches, do-not-share boundaries, and escalation routes.
• Plan for escalation: ensure you have clear emergency contacts and a decision-making protocol if threats emerge.
At Priavo Security, we view business travel security as a holistic and proactive function. We help organisations embed rigour into every journey and support their travellers with confidence, discretion and operational resilience. It is not just about getting from A to B—it is about moving without vulnerability and maintaining performance under any conditions.
To continue the conversation with a member of our team, contact us at enquiries@priavosecurity.com.