# Cryptocurrency Related Articles

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

77 Bloody Codes: When the '$5 Wrench' Shatters the Privacy Myth of France's Crypto Elite

**Summary** In the first half of 2026, France recorded 77 violent crimes—including kidnappings, illegal confinement, and extortion—targeting cryptocurrency holders, a 71% increase over the 45 cases in all of 2025. This equates to an attack every 2.3 days, making France a global hotspot for so-called "wrench attacks," where criminals use physical violence to coerce victims into surrendering crypto assets. High-profile cases include the 2025 kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland, who was shown with a severed finger in a ransom video, and an attempted kidnapping of the family of Paymium's CEO in Paris. Prosecutors note these are not isolated incidents but part of structured criminal networks, sometimes involving minors. Several factors contribute to France's vulnerability: a large holder base (approx. 7.3 million people), the presence of major crypto firms and executives, a culture of public disclosure among enthusiasts, and potential data leaks. The trend is spreading across Europe, which now accounts for over 40% of such global attacks. Research indicates a correlation between Bitcoin price surges and increased wrench attacks. In response, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced a three-pillar action plan focusing on enhanced intelligence sharing, deeper cooperation with the industry association Adan, and improved operational and cross-border coordination. Authorities have made over 200 arrests in the past year. Security experts warn that digital asset safety now extends to the physical world. They advise holders to use hardware wallets, avoid disclosing holdings on social media, enable multi-factor authentication, and report suspicious activity. The situation underscores the urgent need for the crypto community to shift from a "show-off" culture to one of discretion as physical security becomes paramount.

marsbit07/03 13:45

77 Bloody Codes: When the '$5 Wrench' Shatters the Privacy Myth of France's Crypto Elite

marsbit07/03 13:45

Korean Companies Following Strategy in Accumulating Cryptocurrency: From Bull Market to Delisting?

Title: Korean DAT Companies Following "Strategy" Bitcoin Hoarding Model Face Delisting Amid Bear Market Summary: Several Korean KOSDAQ-listed companies, known as Digital Asset Trusts (DATs), are at risk of being delisted due to a combination of stricter regulatory thresholds and a downturn in crypto markets. These firms, inspired by models like Strategy and Japan's Metaplanet, raised capital to buy Bitcoin, relying on a cycle of rising crypto prices to boost their stock value. However, recent reforms in Korea have raised the minimum market capitalization required to stay listed from 150 billion won to 200 billion won (approx. $1.3M), with a further increase to 300 billion won set for next January. The new rules also close loopholes like reverse stock splits used to artificially inflate share prices. The situation is exacerbated by a significant drop in Bitcoin's price from its 2025 peak and a weak KOSDAQ market. While the main KOSPI index has surged nearly 95% year-to-date, KOSDAQ has fallen about 10%, draining liquidity from smaller companies. Many DATs now hover near or below the new market cap thresholds and must also book substantial valuation losses on their Bitcoin holdings. Analysts suggest that without a sustained recovery in both crypto prices and broader market interest in KOSDAQ stocks, these companies have limited options to avoid delisting, marking a precarious moment for Korea's crypto-linked public companies.

marsbit07/03 09:44

Korean Companies Following Strategy in Accumulating Cryptocurrency: From Bull Market to Delisting?

marsbit07/03 09:44

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