Violent Attacks on the Rise as Crypto Holders Targeted for Bitcoin Keys
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Criminals are targeting cryptocurrency investors in a disturbing wave of kidnappings and torture for access to Bitcoin wallets. Learn how this growing threat affects crypto holders worldwide.
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🚨 Violent Attacks Surge as Bitcoin Investors Face Real-World Threats
As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies gain mainstream traction, a darker trend is emerging—violent, real-world attacks on crypto holders. Criminals are using kidnapping, torture, and coercion to force victims to surrender access to their digital wallets, highlighting a growing physical security crisis in the crypto community.
🔐 NYC Millionaire Kidnapped for Bitcoin Password
In one of the most shocking incidents this year, Italian crypto investor Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan was abducted and tortured in a luxury townhouse in SoHo, New York. Held captive for nearly three weeks, Carturan was beaten, shocked with a taser, and threatened with death unless he revealed the keys to his crypto holdings.
The perpetrators—John Woeltz and William Duplessie—were eventually arrested after Carturan miraculously escaped. Authorities recovered evidence showing the duo planned to transfer large sums of Bitcoin from Carturan’s wallets. (Source)
🌍 A Global Pattern of Crypto Crime
This is not an isolated case. Worldwide, there’s an alarming increase in crypto-related kidnappings and violent extortion:
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In Thailand, a Belarusian couple was forced to transfer over $900,000 in Bitcoin under threat of death.
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In France, the father of a popular crypto influencer was kidnapped for ransom.
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In India, several cases of armed robbery linked to crypto wallets have been reported.
According to Bitcoin security expert Jameson Lopp, there have been over 100 documented physical attacks on crypto holders since 2014, many involving brutal force to obtain wallet access. (Source)
🧠 What Crypto Investors Can Do to Stay Safe
As crypto continues to grow, security must go beyond online measures. Here are five key precautions every crypto holder should consider:
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Never disclose your holdings publicly—especially on social media.
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Use multi-signature wallets—these require multiple approvals to release funds.
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Implement time locks—adding delays to transactions can prevent hasty transfers under duress.
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Use decoy wallets—keep smaller balances in easily accessible wallets as a diversion.
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Secure your home and travel discreetly—avoid routines or public discussions about wealth.
🔒 Digital Wealth Comes with Physical Risk
The crypto world has often touted “self-custody” as a virtue—but as real-world threats increase, being your own bank means becoming your own security guard. The recent surge in violent attacks should serve as a wake-up call: as the value of digital assets grows, so does the need for robust personal safety protocols.
Tags: bitcoin kidnapping, crypto crime, cryptocurrency security, Bitcoin wallet safety, real-world crypto attacks, crypto news 2025, Michael Carturan kidnapping, Bitcoin physical security, crypto investor safety, crypto holders targeted
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