Physical attacks against crypto holders, including kidnap and assault, up 75% in 2025 — 72 confirmed incidents see $41 million lost, real number likely higher

Source: Tom’s Hardware

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Surge in Physical Attacks on Crypto Holders

Whales and other large crypto holders are increasingly being targeted for kidnapping and coercion. Public blockchain records combined with leaked data and on‑chain analytics make it easier to identify big transactions and huge wallets. Bloomberg reports that incidents of physical attacks against crypto holders rose by 75 % in 2025, based on 72 confirmed reports involving $41 million worth of cryptocurrency lost. The actual number is likely higher, as some victims do not notify authorities and simply pay ransom demands.

Growing Demand for Physical Security

Because of the heightened threat, many individuals and institutions are investing in physical security solutions. Executive Risk Services, a security consulting and risk‑management firm, notes that prospective crypto‑sector clients contacted them about once a quarter two years ago; today, inquiries arrive weekly. Several crypto firms now fund security details for their executives, with spending comparable to—or exceeding—that of major financial institutions, oil companies, and large pharmaceutical firms.

Protective Measures During Home Invasions

The publication highlights several tactics crypto holders can use to safeguard their assets during a home invasion:

• Decoy wallet – a separate wallet that can be surrendered without compromising real holdings.
• Hardware wallets with duress features – devices that can be instructed to lock or self‑destruct under coercion.
• Time‑delay locks – mechanisms that prevent immediate transfers, giving owners time to react.

“Unfortunately, there’s no way to keep yourself off a list,” Bitcoin‑security YouTube creator Ben Perrin told Bloomberg. “And so how do you then hedge against that? People want self‑sovereignty, but they want to do it right and they’re worried they’re going to mess up.”

Privacy Challenges

Cryptocurrency’s defining feature is its public blockchain, where every transaction is visible to anyone and wallet balances can be checked openly. While anonymity can be preserved by not revealing personal identities, leaks and advanced data analytics have made true anonymity difficult, if not impossible. Victims may remain unaware that their privacy has already been compromised until an attack occurs.