Europe Leads in Crypto-Related Kidnappings

According to a report published by Binance, Europe is the region with the highest number of crypto-related kidnappings, with 59 cases reported over the past six years. During the same period, North America recorded 48 cases, while Asia reported 62 cases, the majority occurring in Southeast Asia.

The United States remains the country with the highest number of individual cases since 2019, while France has recently seen a notable rise in such incidents. In 2025 alone, 15 cases have already been documented, including the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife in France.

Primary targets include founders and employees of crypto companies, professional traders, and entrepreneurs. In some cases, kidnappers also target family members or tourists suspected of holding crypto assets.

Binance highlights a direct correlation between Bitcoin price increases and the frequency of kidnappings, many of which involve ransom demands in BTC.