# Crime Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Crime", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

France Averages One Crypto Kidnapping Every 2.5 Days, Authorities Finally Take Action

France has emerged as a global hotspot for "crypto kidnappings" and wrench attacks, with an average of one incident every 2.5 days in 2026, totaling 41 cases so far. In a recent event, the wife and 11-year-old child of a crypto entrepreneur were abducted in Burgundy, with a ransom demand of €400,000. The victims were rescued, and suspects were arrested. Facing growing pressure, French Interior Ministry Undersecretary Jean-Didier Berger announced at Paris Blockchain Week that authorities are developing a more "serious" protection plan for cryptocurrency investors, to be unveiled in the coming. This follows the launch of a prevention platform that has already registered thousands of users. According to data from CertiK, wrench attacks—where victims are threatened or assaulted to force digital asset transfers—increased by 75% globally in 2025, with France accounting for 19 confirmed cases. Europe represents about 40% of such incidents worldwide. Other high-profile cases include a couple robbed of $1 million in Bitcoin by impersonators and the kidnapping of a judge and her mother in a crypto-related extortion attempt.

marsbit30m ago

France Averages One Crypto Kidnapping Every 2.5 Days, Authorities Finally Take Action

marsbit30m ago

Tether Freezes $4.2B USDT in Crime Crackdown

Tether, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin, has frozen approximately $4.2 billion in assets linked to criminal activities, with $3.5 billion frozen since 2023. The company, which has over $180 billion in circulation, works with global law enforcement to freeze tokens in response to official requests. Recent actions include blocking $61 million tied to "pig-butchering" scams, as well as funds connected to human trafficking, terrorism, and warfare. This crackdown reflects growing regulatory concerns over illicit crypto flows, which saw $82 billion in laundered funds last year. While Tether's control enables swift action against crime, it also highlights tensions around decentralization. Stablecoins like USDT are facing increased regulatory scrutiny as governments push for stronger anti-money laundering standards.

TheNewsCrypto02/28 13:15

Tether Freezes $4.2B USDT in Crime Crackdown

TheNewsCrypto02/28 13:15

Stablecoin Crime Wave? $141B In Illicit Activity Reported This Year

In 2025, approximately $141 billion in stablecoins was reportedly acquired by illicit actors, largely due to their predictable value and fast transaction speeds. Sanctions-related networks accounted for about 86% of these illicit flows, with $72 billion tied to a Russian ruble-pegged token. These networks also showed connections to China, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela. Stablecoins were heavily used in guarantee marketplaces and human trafficking operations, where payment certainty and liquidity were prioritized. While scams and ransomware often start in Bitcoin or Ether, funds are frequently converted to stablecoins during laundering. The stablecoin market capitalization exceeded $270 billion in early 2026, dominated by Tether’s USDT ($180B) and Circle’s USDC ($70B), which together control over 90% of the market.

bitcoinist02/20 18:02

Stablecoin Crime Wave? $141B In Illicit Activity Reported This Year

bitcoinist02/20 18:02

Binance Confirms 3 Arrested In France Executive’s Home Invasion — Details

Binance France's head was targeted in a home invasion on February 12. Three armed, hooded individuals broke into a Val-de-Marne apartment, initially entering a neighbor's home to locate the executive's residence. They stole two mobile phones but were later arrested during a second break-in attempt in Hauts-de-Seine. Police recovered the phones and a vehicle linked to the crime. Binance co-founder Yi He confirmed the incident, stating the executive and his family are safe and cooperating with authorities. This attack aligns with a reported 75% global increase in crypto-related wrench attacks in 2025, with France experiencing 19 such cases last year.

bitcoinist02/14 19:02

Binance Confirms 3 Arrested In France Executive’s Home Invasion — Details

bitcoinist02/14 19:02

French Police Arrest Trio After Attempted Kidnapping of Binance Leader

On February 12, 2026, an armed group attempted to kidnap Binance's French president, David Princay, near Paris. The hooded assailants, armed and searching for him at his residence, fled upon finding him absent but stole two mobile phones. Hours later, a similar assault occurred nearby, with investigators linking both incidents via CCTV footage of the same vehicle. French police coordinated a search, leading to the arrest of all three suspects on a train to Lyon later that day. Binance co-founder Yi He confirmed Princay and his family are safe. Authorities noted a rise in real-world crimes targeting crypto executives, shifting from online hacks to physical kidnapping attempts, emphasizing the growing need for personal security in the crypto industry.

TheNewsCrypto02/14 09:38

French Police Arrest Trio After Attempted Kidnapping of Binance Leader

TheNewsCrypto02/14 09:38

DOJ Issues Valentine’s Day Alert on Rising Pig-Butchering Crypto Scams

Federal prosecutors are warning the public about a significant rise in "pig-butchering" crypto scams, especially around Valentine’s Day. These scams involve criminals building emotional trust with victims over weeks or months via dating apps or social media before introducing fake crypto investment opportunities. After victims deposit funds—often large sums—scammers disappear. The DOJ links these schemes to organized crime in Southeast Asia, using complex methods like shell companies to launder stolen crypto, making recovery difficult. Last year, authorities seized $225 million in one of the largest such recoveries. Experts advise researching companies thoroughly before investing and remaining cautious of unsolicited crypto investment pitches.

TheNewsCrypto02/13 10:25

DOJ Issues Valentine’s Day Alert on Rising Pig-Butchering Crypto Scams

TheNewsCrypto02/13 10:25

Bitcoin Ransomware Case Shakes NBC — Here’s The Latest Developments

Bitcoin is central to a high-profile ransom case involving the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. Blood and a missing doorbell camera were found at her Arizona residence. Ransom messages demanding Bitcoin were sent to news outlets. A new note emerged from someone offering information for 1 BTC ($67,598 at time of writing). The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information. An expert noted the ransom amount is modest compared to larger crypto crimes. Savannah Guthrie has expressed hope her mother is still alive.

bitcoinist02/12 01:03

Bitcoin Ransomware Case Shakes NBC — Here’s The Latest Developments

bitcoinist02/12 01:03

Crypto Traders Under Threat? Another French Kidnapping Intensifies Safety Concerns

Crypto Traders Under Threat? Another French Kidnapping Intensifies Safety Concerns A series of kidnappings and violent assaults targeting cryptocurrency holders in France has raised significant safety concerns within the industry. French authorities are investigating multiple recent incidents where individuals linked to digital assets were attacked at their homes or in public. In one case, assailants invaded a crypto investor’s home in Yvelines, restraining and injuring family members. Separately, an engineer was abducted and assaulted in western France before being released. Security experts describe these crimes as an escalation of real-world threats tied to online wealth, with criminals using physical coercion to gain access to digital assets. Recent cases include home invasions, restraints, and armed threats aimed at extracting cryptocurrency credentials. The trend has sparked unease within crypto communities, with some speculating that safety concerns may have contributed to the cancellation of major industry events like NFT Paris, though no official link has been confirmed. Analysts warn that public figures in crypto are particularly vulnerable, as organized groups monitor social media and public records to identify targets. The situation underscores the growing risk that loss of privacy may turn digital wealth into a physical liability.

ccn.com01/17 10:07

Crypto Traders Under Threat? Another French Kidnapping Intensifies Safety Concerns

ccn.com01/17 10:07

Violent Attacks On Crypto Holders Escalate Worldwide, Data Shows

Data shows a significant escalation in violent "wrench attacks" – physical robberies and kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency holders to force asset transfers – both in frequency and severity worldwide. Security researcher Haseeb Qureshi analyzed an incident database maintained by Jameson Lopp, finding 269 categorized attacks, with over half classified as "Serious" and 5% as "Fatal." The data indicates attacks are becoming more violent over time, with 2025 showing the highest incident count. Approximately 45% of the variation in attacks is explained by crypto market capitalization, meaning higher prices correlate with more incidents. However, when normalized per user (using Coinbase active users as a proxy), attack rates spiked in earlier market cycles, fell after 2019, and have recently risen again toward 2021 levels. Geographically, Western Europe and North America have the most incidents, but Latin America and Africa have significantly higher fatality rates. Notably, zero fatal attacks have occurred in North America. Researchers warn these events are transitioning from rare occurrences to a recurring risk for crypto participants.

bitcoinist01/06 04:03

Violent Attacks On Crypto Holders Escalate Worldwide, Data Shows

bitcoinist01/06 04:03

Winter coat saves NYC tourist from serious stab injury in wild Times Square attack

A winter coat prevented a tourist from sustaining serious injuries when he was stabbed in a seemingly unprovoked attack in Times Square. The incident, captured on video, shows the assailant approaching the victim and striking him in the back before fleeing. The victim's thick jacket absorbed much of the impact, protecting him from a more severe wound. He was treated at the scene by emergency responders. The suspect was later taken into custody by police. The attack is part of a recent series of violent incidents in the popular Manhattan tourist destination, raising ongoing concerns about public safety.

nypost12/09 03:09

Winter coat saves NYC tourist from serious stab injury in wild Times Square attack

nypost12/09 03:09

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