The cryptocurrency scene has been shaken by a series of kidnappings and violent attacks.  The latest incident involved Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, an Italian meme coin millionaire.  He was allegedly kidnapped and tortured in a Soho apartment.  Two individuals, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, have been arrested in connection with this crime.  This event is just one in a string of similar incidents that have been happening recently.

France has seen a surge in these types of crimes.  In Paris, the father of a cryptocurrency millionaire was held hostage.  His finger was severed until a €5 million ransom was paid.  Later in the month, an attempt was made to kidnap the daughter of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat.  A brave shop owner intervened and stopped the attackers with a fire extinguisher.  This incident led to the arrest of 24 people.  In January, the co-founder of Ledger, David Balland, and his wife were abducted in Vierzon, Central France.  They were held for ransom, and part of the ransom was paid by his co-founder.  Law enforcement rescued the couple, but not before Balland had a finger cut off.  Ten people were arrested in connection with this crime.

Many in the cryptocurrency world have been open about their wealth and flaunted their belongings.  This has made them targets for criminals.  Security experts have noted that those with crypto money have not prioritized protection.  They often post pictures of their homes, helicopters, and sneakers on social media.  This lack of caution has made them vulnerable to attacks.  For many in crypto, showing off their wealth is a way to prove their success.  It is a central motivation for getting into digital currency.  The euphoria of crypto is about showing that their bets on risky assets paid off.  This combination of ego and new money has created problems.

Some notable billionaires in the crypto world have taken steps to protect themselves.  They have wallets secured by bigger companies that have invested heavily in security.  However, this is not true for everyone in the crypto world.  Many crypto millionaires do not think of themselves as vulnerable.  They do not realize how exposed they are online.  This latest attack seems to be changing that.  Even lesser-known crypto figures are aware they may be in danger.  Some have even relocated to states where they can legally own a firearm.  They have also canceled conference appearances due to security concerns.  This is not unique to them.  Anyone active or high-profile in crypto gets threats.

The recent attacks in France have led some digital coin companies to consider relocating.  Their employees are agitating for better safety measures.  Targeting someone who has made a lot of money from cryptocurrency is, in many ways, the perfect crime.  An obscure wallet is impossible to trace and the transactions are final.  One founder in crypto seems resigned to it, "This is the cost of doing business. "  Another source explained that it could cause the industry to go underground.  "You don’t have to be a big figure to be kidnapped.  Now people are afraid they may say something at a party and they’ll be targeted. "  For now, it seems like the huge displays of wealth may be diminishing.  The days of bragging at parties about a meme coin success and how much money you made may be over.

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