Crypto Assets crime cases are frequent, and physical attacks have become a new threat

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend in crimes related to Crypto Assets, particularly physical attacks targeting coin holders. According to incomplete statistics, there were approximately 7 cases of Crypto Asset-related kidnappings, home invasions, or violent threats in 2022, which increased to 15-18 cases in 2023 and at least 20 cases in 2024, with each case involving higher amounts. In the first half of 2025, 34 cases have already been reported, setting a new historical record. These cases are mostly typical "ransom attacks", and even if the victims have the most secure cold wallets and encryption protection, it is still difficult to resist physical violence.

Bali Tragedy: A Deadly Trap in Paradise

On May 1, 2023, a 22-year-old Chinese couple was found dead in a five-star hotel in Bali, with a gruesome scene. An official investigation deemed it a murder-suicide, but rumors in the crypto community suggest that the deceased may have held Crypto Assets worth approximately 200 million RMB, sparking numerous speculations. The details of the case are murky, and it remains an unsolved mystery.

In addition, Bali has also experienced multiple kidnapping cases related to crypto assets. For example, in early 2023, a crypto blogger was robbed by four people in his home, losing $284,000 in Bitcoin; at the end of 2021, an Italian couple was robbed in their home, losing $374,000 in crypto assets.

Child Debt Parent Repayment: A Shocking Kidnapping Case Within a Case

In August 2024, a thrilling kidnapping case occurred in Connecticut, USA. Morgan Stanley vice president Sushil and his wife were dragged out of a Lamborghini and kidnapped by a group of people. Police investigation revealed that the real target of the kidnappers was Sushil's son, Veer Chetal.

18-year-old Chetal is a coin thief in the crypto assets world, having stolen $250 million worth of Bitcoin. After learning of this, the kidnappers planned to abduct his parents for ransom. Ultimately, Chetal pleaded guilty and faces a 20-year sentence, while his father also lost his job as a result. This case reveals the chain reaction of crypto asset crime.

Hal Finney's Last Ransom Call

Bitcoin early contributor Hal Finney faced extortion in the final months of his life. In the winter of 2014, a hacker used the "Swatting" method to maliciously report a false case, leading SWAT teams to raid Finney's home and extort 1,000 coins. Although he was not directly kidnapped, the ongoing harassment and threats severely impacted Finney's peace during the last stages of his life.

The Nightmare of Ledger's Co-founder on a Snowy Night

In January 2025, David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, was kidnapped at his home in France. The kidnappers held him in an abandoned warehouse and even cut off one of his fingers to force the company to pay a ransom. French police successfully rescued the hostage within 48 hours and arrested 10 suspects. This case highlights the security risks faced by executives in the Crypto Assets industry.

Dazed Father's "E Guardian"

In May 2021, a man named Liam from Maryland, USA drugged his father in his tea and stole $400,000 in Crypto Assets. This case revealed the internal family conflicts that Crypto Assets can trigger. Ultimately, Liam was sentenced to 125 days in jail and underwent mandatory drug rehabilitation, and his relationship with his father began to mend.

These cases indicate that as the value of Crypto Assets rises, physical attacks targeting coin holders are becoming increasingly rampant. Participants in the encryption industry need to raise their security awareness and take necessary protective measures. At the same time, law enforcement agencies also need to strengthen their crackdown on such new types of crime.