Crypto Trader Leaped from 30-Foot Balcony to Escape from Kidnappers

Cryptocurrency traders are increasingly becoming targets of not just cybercrime but also violent physical attacks aimed at seizing their digital assets.

Over the weekend, a 34-year-old trader in Marbella, Spain, narrowly avoided a potentially fatal situation.

Reports indicate that the victim sustained serious injuries, breaking both ankles, while attempting to escape his captors by jumping from a 30-foot balcony.

This chilling incident underscores the growing physical security risks faced by those involved in the crypto market.

Kidnappers Threatened Torture and Death

What began as a casual evening out quickly escalated into a nightmare for a crypto trader in Estepona, Spain.

Lured by a group of individuals to an apartment under the guise of having drinks, the trader soon found himself held captive, with the group demanding a €30,000 ransom in digital assets.

Faced with threats of torture and death, he pretended to comply, making a phone call to "retrieve client access codes," during which he secretly alerted a friend to his dire situation.

The friend contacted the police, but before authorities could intervene, the trader attempted a desperate escape by leaping from a 30-foot balcony, breaking both ankles in the process.

Police arrived shortly after, arresting the alleged kidnappers as they attempted to flee and raiding the apartment.

Among the seized items were 25 kilograms of pink cocaine, firearms, €10,000 in cash, three knives, and two high-value watches.

This harrowing incident highlights a disturbing rise in physical assaults targeting individuals within the cryptocurrency industry.