Crypto Robbery and Kidnapping Cases Rise 33% to 52 in First Half
JH Kim
Summary
- The number of robbery and kidnapping crimes targeting cryptocurrency holders worldwide rose 33% from a year earlier to 52 cases in the first half of this year.
- Total losses and ransom demands reached $124 million, with 33 cases reported in France and a sharp increase in home-invasion robberies.
- CertiK said criminals appear to see physical intimidation as more profitable, signaling a shift in the profit model of crypto-related crime.
Forecast Trend Report by Period
Robbery and kidnapping targeting cryptocurrency holders are surging this year as criminals use violence to steal assets or force victims to transfer funds, Bloomberg reported.
CertiK, a blockchain security firm, said on July 22 that it had identified 52 physical attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders worldwide in the first half. That was up 33% from a year earlier.
Total losses and ransom demands reached $124 million, according to CertiK. France had the most cases, with 33, and home-invasion robberies rose sharply.
Criminals appear to be concluding that physical intimidation can generate bigger returns, CertiK said. The profit model for crypto-related crime is changing.
JH Kim
reporter1@bloomingbit.ioHi, I'm a Bloomingbit reporter, bringing you the latest cryptocurrency news.