Gate News reports that on March 16, in Madrid, Spain, a kidnapping incident occurred with the intent to steal BTC and cryptocurrency private keys. A 33-year-old Canadian cryptocurrency business owner was forcibly taken into a rental van with a tampered license plate while attending a dinner in the Salamanca district. Witnesses immediately reported the incident, and Spanish police intercepted the vehicle near Atocha station, successfully rescuing the victim. Two suspects, aged 32 and 45, of Serbian nationality, were arrested on the spot, while another suspect remains at large. Police investigations indicate that the kidnapping was premeditated; the victim had traveled from Barcelona to Madrid for financial negotiations and was likely followed and monitored in advance by the suspects. The suspects aimed to use physical coercion to force the victim to reveal the mnemonic phrase and private keys of his cryptocurrency wallets. This method is known in security circles as a “wrench attack.” Police recovered tools such as plastic zip ties and pills inside the vehicle. Additionally, the suspects attempted to steal a luxury watch valued at 100,000 euros from the victim. The victim was unharmed, and the case is still under investigation. This incident is one of a series of personal attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders in Europe in 2026, with France recording 11 related cases this year.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Former UK PM Liz Truss Publicly Endorses Bitcoin as Tool Against Currency Debasement
Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss criticized Britain's economic trajectory, citing high taxes and regulations. She advocates for Bitcoin to combat currency debasement and is organizing a conference to promote a movement for sovereignty and freedom.
GateNews9h ago
BTC breaks below 76000 USDT
Gate News bot message, Gate market data shows that BTC has broken below 76000 USDT, current price is 75996.9 USDT.
CryptoRadar10h ago
Goldman Sachs Files Bitcoin Income ETF Using Options Strategy
Goldman Sachs proposed a Bitcoin-focused income ETF that avoids direct Bitcoin holdings, using linked ETFs and options strategies for income. This filing reflects increased competition in the crypto investment space among major firms.
CryptoFrontNews11h ago
Bitcoin ETFs Record $663.9M Inflows, Strongest Day Since Mid-January
Bitcoin ETFs saw $663.9 million in inflows on April 18, indicating renewed institutional confidence and a shift in market sentiment. This trend suggests sustained interest in Bitcoin as investors seek to diversify their portfolios.
GateNews12h ago
Bitcoin Ownership Surpasses Gold Among Americans for the First Time
More Americans now own Bitcoin than gold, highlighting a significant shift in asset preferences as Bitcoin's popularity surges. U.S. entities dominate global Bitcoin holdings, and institutional adoption is accelerating, with major firms entering the market and legislation potentially enhancing Bitcoin's legal status.
GateNews12h ago
Bitcoin Price Outlook Shifts as Iran Toll Demand Revives $1M Target Talk
Iran Bitcoin toll revives debate on crypto as global payment infrastructure
Geopolitical tensions push Bitcoin beyond store-of-value into currency role
Institutional adoption and flows strengthen long-term million-dollar Bitcoin narratives
Bitcoin price outlook has shifted again after fr
CryptoNewsLand13h ago
