Brutal wave of robberies against crypto profiles: “Scary”

Kidnappings, torture – and severed fingers. Violent robberies against crypto profiles and their relatives are increasing internationally. And the concern is also noticeable in Sweden. “The threat landscape has changed.”

At the end of January, executives at crypto company Ledger made a shocking discovery. A video they were sent showed a severed hand. It belonged to the company’s co-founder David Balland, who had been kidnapped and tortured by perpetrators who demanded a ransom. After two days, he was rescued by French police.

The incident has shaken the crypto world, where Balland is an influential figure. But he is far from alone in having been affected. Violent crimes against people in the industry and their relatives are becoming more frequent – and more serious.