Summer of Fear: Crypto Owners Targeted by Thieves in Global Scourge

Over the summer of 2026, cryptocurrency owners faced an alarming number of attacks. According to reports from RBC, there were at least 13 incidents in total, with a significant concentration in France where eight out of these attacks took place.

In June, six attacks occurred, including one in Brazil where a crypto blogger was abducted and forced to transfer $3,000 worth of cryptocurrency before escaping. In the US, three armed men attempted to rob a couple on the street.

July saw four more attacks, with two incidents in Brazil, one in Thailand, and another in Indonesia. In Bali, Russian crypto investor Artem Ivanov was abducted by a group of armed men who forced him to transfer $5 million in assets. Meanwhile, in France, another couple's home was targeted by robbers.

August brought three more attacks in France, including one where a couple was abducted from their home and tortured. Experts believe the increase in attacks may be linked to the compromise of personal data, with Chainalysis estimating that victims have already lost over $30 million since January 2026.