A Russian couple recentlyescaped from a kidnapping ordeal orchestrated through a cryptocurrency scam, sparking an international search for the perpetrators.
🚨 A Russian couple running a crypto biz in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was kidnapped for a $43K digital ransom.
Police rescued them, but the suspects fled to UAE, now on Interpol’s red list. pic.twitter.com/D5YvqGvzMW
— Crypto India (@CryptooIndia) May 29, 2025
The couple, whose identities have not been disclosed for security reasons, were lured into a trap by individuals posing as cryptocurrency investors. The incident took place in Southeast Asia, where the couple was reportedly held captive after being deceived into attending a supposed business meeting.
According to reports, the kidnappers used a fake investment opportunity to gain the couple’s trust. Once the couple arrived at the meeting location, the suspects detained them and demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency. The criminals allegedly threatened violence unless their demands were met.
The couple managed to escape after several days in captivity. Details on how they broke free remain scarce, but local authorities confirmed that they are now safe and receiving support from Russian consular officials. Their escape has prompted a coordinated investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies across several countries.
Interpol and local police have launched a search for the suspects, believed to be part of a larger criminal network targeting cryptocurrency holders. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the search intensifies.
This incident highlights the growing trend of crypto-related kidnappings and scams. Criminals increasingly target individuals with significant digital asset holdings, exploiting the anonymity and borderless nature of cryptocurrency.
Meanwhile, French police have apprehended more than a dozen people, including minors, following a string of cryptocurrency kidnapping incidents that have recently occurred in Paris.
According to local reports on May 26, the arrests are linked to two separate high-profile incidents targeting families of prominent crypto entrepreneurs.
Authorities are investigating whether the suspects are part of a wider criminal network that may be recruiting members through social media platforms. Charges filed include kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy, as reported by Le Parisien.
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