At Least 1 Bitcoiner Gets Kidnapped Every Week, Crypto Exec Warns
A shocking reality that Bitcoin enthusiasts must confront is that at least one crypto investor is kidnapped every week, according to Alena Vranova, founder of SatoshiLabs. This alarming trend has been gaining attention in recent years, with Vranova warning that even small crypto investors can be on the radar of violent criminals looking for a target.
Vranova's warning comes as the rise in wrench attacks against crypto holders continues to escalate. In 2025, physical attacks against Bitcoiners are on track to double the worst year on record, prompting personal safety countermeasures from investors, developers, and industry executives alike.
The Disturbing Trend of Wrench Attacks
These wrench attacks, also known as "cryptojacking," involve the use of physical force or intimidation to steal private keys and access cryptocurrency funds. The trend is disturbing, with Vranova citing a correlation between Bitcoin prices and the frequency of these attacks.
"We currently have more than 80 million Bitcoiner and crypto user identities leaked online; 2.2 million out of those contain home addresses," Vranova said, highlighting the growing threat of centralized data leaks. These leaks allow violent criminals to target not only crypto holders but also their families, making personal safety measures crucial.
The Rise of Centralized Data Leaks
Centralized data leaks from crypto exchanges and software providers have become a major concern, as they compromise sensitive user information under Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. This has enabled violent criminals to exploit these vulnerabilities and target vulnerable individuals.
In May, crypto exchange Coinbase disclosed a data breach that leaked the information of a small subset of Coinbase customers, including home addresses and other identifying information. More recently, in June, a report from Cybernews uncovered databases containing more than 16 billion leaked user login credentials from platforms like Apple, Facebook, and Google.
The Impact on Crypto Holders
The consequences of these data breaches are far-reaching, with crypto holders now facing increased risks of phishing, social engineering, hacking, identity theft, and other types of targeted scams designed to steal user data and funds. These attacks can have devastating consequences for those who fall victim, highlighting the need for vigilance and personal safety measures.
A Call to Action
As the crypto industry continues to grow, it's essential that investors and users prioritize their personal safety. Vranova's warning serves as a reminder that even small crypto investments can be vulnerable to exploitation by violent criminals.
"Every week, there is a Bitcoiner, at least one in the world, who gets kidnapped, tortured, extorted, and sometimes even worse," Vranova said, emphasizing the gravity of this issue. It's time for the crypto community to come together and take action to protect itself from these threats.