According to PANews, SatoshiLabs founder Alena Vranova has raised concerns about the increasing incidents of wrench attacks, personal assaults, and kidnappings targeting Bitcoin and cryptocurrency holders. Vranova noted that at least one Bitcoin holder worldwide is kidnapped, tortured, or extorted weekly, sometimes facing even more severe consequences.
She emphasized that even small-scale cryptocurrency investors could become targets for violent criminals. "It may seem like an issue only for Bitcoin OG investors, but that's not the case. We've seen kidnappings for as little as $6,000 worth of cryptocurrency and even murders for $50,000 worth," Vranova stated. She further highlighted that over 80 million Bitcoin holders and cryptocurrency users have had their personal information leaked online, with 2.2 million records including home addresses.
Vranova added that these attacks are correlated with Bitcoin prices, with an increase in frequency during bull markets.