Crypto Millionaires Targeted in Wave of Kidnappings Across Europe

By: nft evening|2025/05/16 16:45:05
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Over the past six months, at least four kidnappings or attempted kidnappings targeting crypto millionaires have occurred in France, Spain, and Belgium. French police are investigating these violent crimes, which involve ransom demands and brutal tactics, raising concerns about the safety of crypto entrepreneurs in Europe.A Surge in Violent Crypto-Related CrimesIn the last six months, Europe has witnessed a disturbing rise in kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency millionaires, with at least four incidents reported in France, Spain, and Belgium. French authorities are investigating these cases, which often involve extreme violence, including torture and mutilation. One high-profile case in Paris involved the father of a crypto entrepreneur who was abducted in broad daylight, with his finger severed and a ransom demand of €5-7 million. The victim was rescued by French police, and five suspects were arrested.Other incidents include the January 2025 kidnapping of a Ledger co-founder, who was tortured to extort cryptocurrency holdings, and a May 1, 2025, abduction of another crypto influencer’s father, also involving mutilation to pressure the victim’s family. In March, French police arrested ten individuals planning a similar kidnapping.French gendarmes investigate the kidnapping of cryptocurrency entrepreneur David Ballard in Méreau, France, January 2025. Source: AFPThese cases highlight a pattern of organized crime targeting crypto entrepreneurs, leveraging the decentralized and often anonymous nature of cryptocurrency to demand untraceable ransoms, typically in Bitcoin BTC or stablecoins like USDT.The high liquidity of crypto assets makes crypto entrepreneurs an attractive target, as criminals can quickly move funds through mixing services or unregulated exchanges.Read more: FTX to Distribute Over $5 Billion to Creditors in Second Phase of Bankruptcy RepaymentsGrowing Risks for Crypto MillionairesThe targeting of crypto millionaires underscores the vulnerabilities faced by those in the cryptocurrency industry. Many victims are high-profile figures, such as influencers or founders of crypto firms, whose wealth is often publicized through social media or blockchain transparency. For instance, the blockchain’s public ledger allows criminals to track wallet addresses linked to large holdings, making crypto entrepreneurs prime targets. Not only millionaires but also their families, including parents and spouses, are increasingly at risk.French police have responded by enhancing security protocols for known crypto figures and collaborating with Europol to track cross-border criminal networks. However, challenges remain, including the difficulty of tracing cryptocurrency transactions once funds are moved to non-compliant exchanges.Read more: CEX Vs DEX: Which Is The Better Crypto Exchange?Experts recommend that crypto entrepreneurs adopt stricter security measures, such as using hardware wallets, employing private security, and minimizing public disclosure of their wealth.The wave of kidnappings has also sparked debate about the broader implications for the crypto industry. Regulatory bodies are under pressure to tighten oversight of crypto transactions to curb illicit activities, though such measures risk stifling innovation.The post Crypto Millionaires Targeted in Wave of Kidnappings Across Europe appeared first on NFT Evening.

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DDC Enterprise Limited Announces 2025 Unaudited Preliminary Financial Performance: Record Revenue Achieved, Bitcoin Treasury Grows to 2183 Coins

On March 4, 2026, DDC Enterprise Limited (NYSE American: DDC) today announced preliminary, unaudited full-year financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025. The company expects to achieve record revenue and record positive adjusted EBITDA, primarily driven by continued growth in its core consumer food business and overall margin improvement. The final audited financial report is expected to be released in mid-April 2026.


2025 Full-Year Financial Highlights


Revenue: Expected to be between $39 million and $41 million, reaching a new company high.


Organic Growth: Excluding the impact of the company's strategic contraction of its U.S. operations, core revenue is expected to grow 11% to 17% year over year.


Gross Profit Margin: Expected to be between 28% and 30%, reflecting continued operational efficiency improvements.


Adjusted EBITDA: The company expects to achieve a positive full-year result in 2025, a significant improvement from a $3.5 million loss in 2024, mainly due to rigorous cost controls and a higher-margin sales mix.


Core Consumer Food Business Performance


In 2025, DDC's core consumer food business maintained strong operational performance.


The company also disclosed Core Consumer Food Business Adjusted EBITDA, a metric that further excludes costs related to its Bitcoin reserve strategy and non-cash fair value adjustments related to its Bitcoin holdings from adjusted EBITDA to more accurately reflect the core business performance.


In 2025, Core Consumer Food Business Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $5.5 million and $6 million.


Bitcoin Reserve Update


In the first half of 2025, DDC initiated a long-term Bitcoin accumulation strategy, holding Bitcoin as its primary reserve asset.


As of December 31, 2025: The company holds 1,183 BTC.


As of February 28, 2026: Holdings increased to 2,118 BTC


Today's additional purchase of 65 BTC brings the company's total holdings to 2,183 BTC


DDC Founder, Chairman, and CEO Norma Chu stated, "We are proud to have closed 2025 with record revenue and positive adjusted EBITDA, demonstrating the steady growth of the company's consumer food business and the ongoing improvement in profitability. We are building a disciplined, growth-oriented food platform and strategically allocating capital to Bitcoin assets with a long-term view, aligning with our core beliefs. We believe that this dual-track model of 'Steady Consumer Business + Strategic Bitcoin Reserve' will help DDC create lasting long-term value for shareholders."


Adjusted EBITDA Definition
For the full year 2025, the company defines "Adjusted EBITDA" (a non-GAAP financial measure) as: Net income / (loss) excluding the following items:· Interest expense· Taxes· Foreign exchange gains/losses· Long-lived asset impairment· Depreciation and amortization· Non-cash fair value changes related to financial instruments (including Bitcoin holdings)· Stock-based compensation


About DDC Enterprise Limited


DDC Enterprise Limited (NYSE: DDC) is actively implementing its corporate Bitcoin Treasury strategy while continuing to strengthen its position as a leading global Asian food platform.


The company has established Bitcoin as a core reserve asset and is executing a prudent, long-oriented accumulation strategy. While expanding its portfolio of food brands, DDC is gradually becoming one of the public company pioneers in integrating Bitcoin into its corporate financial architecture.


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