A worrying trend has emerged in the world of cryptocurrency as the number of reported crypto kidnappings has reached a new high globally. According to Binance’s latest data, the United States stands as the leading nation for these incidents since 2019. This surge coincides with increasing Bitcoin prices, leading experts to believe that criminals are increasingly using physical intimidation tactics to extract ransom payments in cryptocurrency. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies worldwide are actively investigating these crimes, which typically target individuals believed to hold significant digital assets, including executives, traders, and even family members. These kidnappings often involve physical threats and demanding Bitcoin ransoms, reflecting a shift away from purely digital attacks towards more direct and violent methods of securing cryptocurrency. 2025 has seen several high-profile cases, like the abduction of David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, and his wife in France, highlighting the growing risk associated with this new wave of crime. This trend is not confined to Europe, as Asia also has witnessed a significant increase in crypto kidnapping incidents in recent months. While authorities are working on strategies to combat these threats, experts suggest that the rising prominence of cryptocurrency makes individuals more vulnerable to such crimes.