2025 on Track to Be Deadliest Year for Crypto Investors, Data Shows

A new report from Galaxy Digital reveals that 2025 is shaping up to be the most dangerous year ever for cryptocurrency holders. According to research analyst Alex Thorn, this year has already recorded over 25 documented physical attacks targeting crypto owners—nearly matching full-year totals seen in 2023 and approaching 2018 levels. If the trend continues, 2025 could surpass the previous record set in 2021, and the year isn’t even halfway through.

The spike in crypto-related crimes includes abductions, home invasions, and extortion. Countries such as India and the UAE have seen a sharp rise in these incidents, as criminals increasingly target high-net-worth individuals linked to digital assets. One of the most shocking cases involved David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, who was kidnapped alongside his wife in January. Authorities rescued them after a days-long search. Another attempted abduction targeted the daughter of a well-known French crypto entrepreneur.

In response, French authorities have enhanced security for crypto leaders. Meanwhile, some firms are stepping in with tailored insurance products designed for digital asset holders. The rising danger has even led to bold suggestions like forming a “Bitcoin Mossad” — a proposed security initiative by early Bitcoin developer Martti ‘Sirius’ Malmi, aimed at protecting long-term holders by targeting criminal actors.

This surge in physical threats highlights a critical and often overlooked vulnerability in the crypto space. As digital assets continue to gain mainstream traction, personal security has become just as important as cybersecurity. With global adoption rising, crypto investors must now take comprehensive measures to safeguard both their assets and themselves.

Searches for terms like "crypto security 2025," "Bitcoin kidnapping," and "crypto insurance policies" are expected to rise as awareness grows around these real-world risks.