The Dark Side of Crypto - K&R

By Keith Thuerk | New to Crypto's? | 15 May 2025

The first time I came across the term K&R it was a reference in a book I was reading, it is an abbreviation for Kidnapping and Ransom. Seems a new trend is emerging in the crypto realm and Crypto entrepreneurs are at a higher risk for K&R. Due to several factors including rising popularity and sudden wealth. After two recent incidents in France where Crypto entrepreneurs and/or their family members have been targeted by abduction attempts. These are often called 'wrench attacks' and are often under reported according to officials.

Fresh Efforts by French Officials are setting the bar

France’s Interior Ministry is reportedly set to meet with key players in the country’s crypto industry on May 16 to tackle a rising wave of kidnappings targeting digital asset entrepreneurs. More of these types of actions should help curtail these types of nefarious actions.

Crypto Criminals are targeting Family members

Why target family members? One word - Leverage! Which directly equates to a more cooperative K&R victim.

K&R tactics

They come in many forms but breaking it down into simple and easy to understand terms can help everyone. This usually starts with casing the victim and their families. Watching for repeatable patterns. Chokepoint areas to make their grab. This can take place over several weeks, even months. Don't let familiarity breed neglect! Not that I suspect any here on Pub0x would be a K&R victim, just saying it couldn't hurt to be more vigilant in our daily lives.

How to protect yourselves?

#1 - Rule fight like the 3rd monkey trying to get on Noah's ramp!!! Make as much noise as possible, fight back and don't be afraid to injure the attacker. If you are taken you will have a much harder time escaping once taken!

#2 - Don't be an easy target, don't be distracted by your mobile devices. Be aware of your surroundings, don't walk/jog/run with earbuds inserted. You need to listen to your surroundings. Don't walk alone, move around in parties of three or more. Do NOT go to bad area's in town. Etc. this is not intended to cover all aspects of protection. That would take weeks of review and practice.

#3 - Learn how to spot a tail (this applies in your car and while moving on foot).

#4 - Know escape routes from buildings.

#5 - Don't go flexing your bling all over Socials.

or you have more money than you know what to do with hire a team of executive bodyguards!