Crypto Millionaires Increase Personal Security Amid Growing Physical Threats: Bloomberg

Highlights:

• Wealthy crypto investors now prioritize security amid rising kidnappings and recent data breaches.
• French authorities enhance protections following multiple high-profile crypto-related kidnappings.
• The recent Coinbase data breach exposes sensitive information, increasing risks of both online and physical attacks.

Rich crypto holders now see personal security as vital as storing coins offline. Many crypto investors hire bodyguards. This is not because of price drops but because threats like kidnappings are rising. Recently, kidnappings and ransom attempts have targeted crypto people, especially in France. 

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Bloomberg reports that Jethro Pijlman, managing director of Amsterdam’s Infinite Risks International, said his firm has noticed a steady increase in long-term contracts from clients with large crypto assets. Jethro said, “We’ve had more inquiries, more long-term clients, and more proactive requests from crypto investors who don’t want to be caught off guard.” His clients now take security as seriously as their money. They use armored cars, threat checks, and clean their digital footprints often. 

Crypto high rollers are hiring bodyguards to deter kidnappers https://t.co/BARsTWPrMK

— Bloomberg (@business) May 18, 2025

Meanwhile, French authorities have increased protection for crypto investors and entrepreneurs after at least three kidnapping cases were reported this year. The safety steps include security briefings and quick police help for entrepreneurs and their families. French police told crypto investors not to show their wealth or wear crypto clothes. This helps them avoid being targets. These events show why cryptocurrency investors must stay careful and safe.

French authorities have introduced enhanced security measures for cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families after two kidnappings and one attempted abduction. Measures include priority emergency access, home security checks, and anti-crypto laundering training for law…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) May 16, 2025

Rising Kidnappings Threaten Crypto Leaders and Families in France

Last May, kidnappers held a crypto entrepreneur’s father near Paris, but police freed him. Le Parisien reported that the kidnappers cut off one of the victim’s fingers. This violent act is similar to other crypto-related kidnappings in France. In January, kidnappers abducted David Balland, Ledger’s co-founder, but French police rescued him. 

On May 13, the family of Pierre Noizat, co-founder and CEO of French cryptocurrency exchange Paymium, faced an attempted kidnapping. Masked attackers hit them on the street. They tried to force Noizat’s daughter and grandson into a van. The daughter and a passerby fought back. The attackers ran away, and the family was safe.

The bold crime shocked the crypto world. French interior minister Bruno Retailleau called for a meeting with crypto leaders to discuss rising kidnappings and improve security. They will discuss the incidents. The goal is to improve security for at-risk crypto workers and wealthy investors.

Coinbase Breach Raises Security Risks Beyond Digital Theft

The recent Coinbase breach brought new dangers. Hackers accessed names, addresses, ID photos, transaction records, and account balances—key details for targeting wealthy users. Coinbase reported that under 1% of active monthly users were impacted, yet their accounts stayed exposed for several months. Criminals used the stolen data to trick users into giving up wallets or sending funds.

Coinbase be like “yes we got hacked but don’t worry they only got the direct GPS coordinates for all of your kids and family members” 💀

— Daniel (@danielgothits) May 15, 2025

Many affected users stayed silent due to safety fears. Ronghui Gu, CertiK co-founder and Columbia professor, told Bloomberg: “Crypto traders are acutely concerned about their privacy during data leaks. Cryptocurrency can be transferred with just a private key and is extremely difficult to recover. This makes crypto traders prime targets for criminals.” Additionally, the risks have expanded beyond just online attacks. Charles Marino, head of Sentinel Security, said criminals now focus more on physical crimes as online security improves. “Right now, the crypto threat landscape is very high,” he added.

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