Binance Reveals 5-Step Safety Plan as 15 Crypto-Linked Kidnappings Reported in 2025

As the crypto landscape grows, Binance has issued a warning to crypto holders. On May 27, the world’s largest crypto exchange highlighted a growing threat: physical attacks on individuals linked to crypto.

This comes as incidents are on the rise. In 2019, Binance had one reported case, but in the first 5 months of 2025, that number has jumped to 15 confirmed kidnappings globally. While this is a tiny fraction of the estimated 100,000+ kidnappings worldwide, the targeted nature of these incidents is a concern.

Binance is saying that criminals are moving from cybercrime to real world actions, exploiting public exposure and perceived wealth tied to crypto. The Physical Security team is urging all crypto participants—especially those with significant holdings or high visibility—to take comprehensive personal security measures.

5 Steps to Stay Safe

Binance has a 5 step plan to help crypto holders mitigate risks and protect themselves:

• Minimize Online Exposure: Don’t post wallet screenshots, transaction details or personal crypto involvement. Use pseudonyms for blockchain activities.

• Tighten Social Media Privacy: Make accounts private, remove location data from posts and delay sharing travel plans until after you get back home.

• Obfuscate Wallet Ownership: Use privacy preserving wallets, rotate addresses and separate real identities from blockchain activity.

• Enhance Situational Awareness: Vary your travel routines, be discreet at crypto events and do physical security assessments at home and work.

• Prepare Emergency Protocols: Have crisis plans with trusted contacts, use multi-signature wallets or hardware modules and know how to contact law enforcement or security services if needed.

Real World Threats Mean Crypto is Grown Up

The rise of targeted physical attacks shows not just crypto is getting mainstream but also how attractive it is to criminals. As digital security gets better, bad actors are looking for weak points offline.

Binance’s proactive guidance is to empower users to secure both their digital assets and physical safety. By following these steps you can greatly reduce your risk of being a target.

With over $2.5 trillion in global crypto market cap, the stakes are higher than ever. Binance’s warning is a timely reminder that you need to be vigilant—not just online but in the real world too.