According to a recent chart prepared by cryptocurrency firm Galaxy Digital, 2025 is on track to be the most dangerous year for cryptocurrency holders to date.
The chart shared by research analyst Alex Thorn shows that this year is already nearing the full-year totals of some previous years, like 2023, and even approaching 2018.
If the current rate continues, 2025 is extremely likely to overtake 2021, thus becoming the most dangerous year to date. This year, of course, is not even halfway done.
There have been more than 25 documented physical attacks against cryptocurrency owners this year.
Countries like the UAE and India have seen a noticeable uptick in reported extortions.
As reported by U.Today, Satoshi collaborator Martti 'Sirius' Malmi recently suggested the idea of creating the so-called "Bitcoin Mossad" in order to protect long-term holders by going after criminals.
The most high-profile criminal case involved the kidnapping of David Balland, co-founder of cryptocurrency wallet firm Ledger. The French entrepreneur was abducted from his home together with his wife in January before being rescued by authorities.
Another prominent case involved a failed kidnapping of the daughter of another well-known cryptocurrency entrepreneur from France.
French authorities have now stepped up protection for crypto entrepreneurs in light of the recent incidents that attracted widespread media coverage.
Meanwhile, some companies are now offering tailored insurance policies for cryptocurrency entrepreneurs.
Vladislav Sopov
U.Today Editorial Team