BLOCKCHAIN NEWS: Crypto Wealth Spurs Demand For Bodyguards Amid Rising Kidnapping Threats

#WOW... Is @ElonMusk's (X.com) Social Media Platform Putting A Target On http://X.com's Hoards Of #Crypto Influencers... https://x.com/GetTheDailyDirt/status/1924463546596782104

BLOOMBERG: Crypto High-Rollers Go Big on Bodyguards to Deter Kidnappers

EASY MONEY: People with #CryptoWealth face unique physical risks because public #Blockchain networks like #Bitcoin and #Ethereum allow tokens to be transferred instantly and #Anonymously...

Even before #Coinbase disclosed that hackers had stolen the home addresses and account balances of its customers, #JethroPijlman was seeing an uptick in interest from concerned clients with large #CryptoHoldings who were looking for #Bodyguards and other forms of Protection.

Pijlman works for an Amsterdam-based firm that provides physical #Security and intelligence services to cryptocurrency holders who have become worried about the wave of #Kidnappings that have hit the industry — the most recent of which occurred last week, when assailants tried to abduct the daughter and grandson of a #French cryptocurrency executive.

“We’ve had more inquiries, more long-term clients, and more proactive requests from #CryptoInvestors who don’t want to be caught off guard,” said Pijlman, a managing director at Infinite Risks International.

“They’re realizing that intelligent #SecurityMeasures are part of the cost of doing business at this level.”

If an individual is coerced into giving up the access #Credentials to their holdings, their assets can vanish within seconds with little chance of recovery.

Conversely in traditional #FinancialServices, #BankAccounts can be frozen or seized by #LawEnforcement, allowing more chances to get back lost #MJoney.

The concerns about physical safety have come to the fore after the Coinbase attack because the hackers who penetrated the cryptocurrency exchange gained access to #PersonalInformation that could allow them to identify and track down customers with large holdings.....

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-18/crypto-high-rollers-go-big-on-bodyguards-to-deter-kidnappers

WALL STREET JOURNAL: #SeveredFingers and 'Wrench Attacks' Rattle #Elite

A DANGEROUS SITUATION: #WTF... As Bitcoin soars, #Investors and #Executives are taking their swollen #DigitalWallets offline for safety.

HAMMER TIME: #OMG.... #Criminals are coming after them, violently....

MAYHEM IN PARIS—The screams echoed down the narrow street in a trendy neighborhood here in the early morning: “Help! Help! Help!”

Three men in black masks had jumped on a 34-year-old woman whose father runs #Paymium, a French Cryptocurrency Exchange.

Brandishing canisters of #Mace and what looked like a gun, the masked men attempted to force the #Woman and her #Toddler into an idling white van disguised as a delivery truck.

But her husband threw himself between his family and the attackers, while a neighbor hustled away their child.

“Let go of me!” the woman yelled as the assailants #Bludgeoned the husband, his head seen spattered with blood in videos taken from nearby buildings.

With other neighbors closing in, and a shopkeeper readying to throw a #FireExtinguisher, the would-be abductors jumped in the back of their van and sped off.

The brazen #Attack was the latest in a wave of violent #Abductions around the world, including several in the U.S., targeting #CryptoExecutives and their families.

#Victims have been #PistolWhipped, #Abducted, and—in two cases—had #FingersSevered.

The criminals’ goal: millions of dollars in Ransom in #Cryptocurrency.

The assaults are often called “wrench attacks” because they rely on simple tools for inflicting pain to coerce victims, rather than sophisticated tools for #Hacking them....

https://www.wsj.com/finance/currencies/crypto-industry-robberies-attacks-32c2867a  

#FACTS... The intersection of cryptocurrency and kidnapping presents a growing security concern, with wealthy crypto holders and executives increasingly becoming targets for abduction and ransom demands. 

Here's a breakdown of the key issues:

Why Are Crypto Holders Targets?

• High Asset Value: The significant value of cryptocurrency holdings makes high-profile individuals associated with the crypto world attractive targets for criminals seeking large ransoms.
• Pseudonymity & Irreversibility: While blockchain transactions are often pseudonymous, they can be traced, and once funds are transferred, they are typically irreversible.
• Lack of Centralized Authority: Unlike traditional financial systems, there's no central authority to freeze or seize crypto assets, making it difficult to recover stolen funds.
• Data Breaches: Data breaches at crypto exchanges or platforms can expose personal information, potentially revealing the identity and wealth of individuals, further increasing the risk of being targeted. 
  
  Examples of Crypto-Related Kidnapping Incidents:

• Kidnapping attempts on families of crypto executives: Recent incidents include the attempted kidnapping of the daughter and grandson of a French crypto exchange CEO, and the abduction of a crypto entrepreneur's father.
• Kidnapping of Ledger co-founder: A co-founder of the hardware wallet firm Ledger and his wife were kidnapped and held for ransom.
• Kidnappings linked to online gaming communities: A $230 million Bitcoin heist linked to Minecraft gamers resulted in the kidnapping of a family member.
• Various incidents of physical attacks: Over 20 documented incidents of physical attacks on crypto holders have been recorded globally. 
  
  Security Measures & Countermeasures:

• Increased demand for personal security: Crypto executives and wealthy investors are increasingly hiring bodyguards, investing in armored vehicles, and enhancing home security.
• Enhanced security protocols: Some governments are increasing security for crypto executives, including priority access to police emergency lines and safety briefings.
• Crypto custody providers: Services like BitGo and Genesis Custody offer secure storage solutions for digital assets, including cold wallet custody and multi-layered security.
• Splitting up holdings: Dividing crypto assets across multiple wallets can help mitigate potential losses in a kidnapping scenario.
• Enhanced account security: Implementing multi-signature wallets, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication can help protect crypto accounts. 
  
  Important Considerations:

• Discretion and Low Profile: Maintaining a low profile and being discreet about crypto wealth can help reduce the risk of becoming a target.
• Situational Awareness: Practicing good situational awareness and being aware of surroundings can help identify potential threats.
• Residential Security Measures: Strengthening residential security can help deter potential attackers. 
  
  The rise in crypto-related kidnappings underscores the importance of personal security and vigilance within the cryptocurrency space.

Individuals holding significant crypto assets should take proactive steps to enhance their security and be aware of the potential risks involved.