A retired teacher in Brazil was kidnapped by a gang demanding a ransom of over $600,000 worth of Bitcoin, as they had tracked her son, a crypto trader, on social media. The incident took place after the mother left a forum in Recife. The kidnappers believed she would have access to substantial crypto assets. After holding her for 12 hours at gunpoint, her son, located in Portugal, sent 5 BTC to secure her release. Brazilian authorities arrested four suspects involved. This case is part of a disturbing trend known as 'wrench attacks,' where criminals target individuals linked to crypto assets, indicating a rise in crypto-related kidnappings globally. Similar incidents are reported in other regions, including the conviction of four individuals in London for kidnapping a barber who flaunted a nonexistent Bitcoin fortune, and multiple arrests in France related to crypto-driven kidnappings. The situation underscores the increasing vulnerabilities associated with high-profile crypto trading.

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