Crypto Kidnappings and Physical Attacks Are on the Rise—Here’s How to Stay Safe

The kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland in France sent shockwaves through the crypto community, raising urgent questions about security for high-profile crypto holders. How do you protect yourself when criminals are willing to go beyond digital attacks and resort to violence?

In this episode of Unchained, Jameson Lopp, co-founder and Chief Security Officer of Casa, speaks about the growing trend of “wrench attacks”—physical assaults aimed at forcing crypto holders to transfer their assets. Lopp explains how these attacks are evolving, what makes someone a target, and which geographies are seeing the most attacks.

Plus, he shares what behaviors put you most at risk, how criminals are getting more organized, and why relying on exchanges for security is not as safe as you think. 

If you hold significant crypto wealth, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

Show highlights:

• 2:02 How a Ledger co-founder was kidnapped and how the situation was resolved
• 6:46 Who tends to be targeted and which geographies see the most physical attacks
• 14:15 The riskiest behaviors that are likely to lead to wrench attacks
• 16:01 How attackers decide who to target 
• 20:37 How the attacks have been accelerating lately 
• 22:16 How the Ledger team ensured the kidnappers couldn’t access the ransom money 
• 23:44 Jameson’s top tips on how crypto holders can stay safe
• 29:30 News Recap

Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com

Thank you to our sponsors!

• Mantle
• Polkadot
• Quai Network

Guest

•  Jameson Lopp, co-founder and Chief Security Officer of Casa

Links

• Previous coverage of Unchained on crypto security:
• Here’s How to Protect Your Crypto and Seed Phrases From Natural Disasters
• Reuters: Kidnapped co-founder of French crypto firm Ledger had his hand mutilated

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