Crypto Couple Kidnapped In Argentina, Freed After $43K Ransom

The wave of crypto-related kidnappings has intensified with the latest attack targeting a Russian couple in Argentina. The couple, co-operators of a local cryptocurrency business, paid nearly $45,000 in ransom to regain their freedom.

Russian Couple Pays $43K in Cryptocurrency to Regain Freedom

Argentine law enforcement authorities have confirmed the kidnapping of a Russian couple in Buenos Aires. According to a report by a local news outlet, the incident took place in the upscale Palermo neighborhood of the capital city.

Authorities say the incident forms part of a streak of crypto kidnappings sweeping across Europe and North America. The unnamed victims operated a local cryptocurrency business in Argentina, becoming targets in a transnational crypto kidnapping scheme.

The trouble began when the couple was invited to dinner by two Chechen men at an apartment on Gorriti Street. However, the dinner turned out to be a ruse to lure the crypto executives into a kidnapping attempt.

Restaurant employees, alarmed by calls for help coming from the apartment, contacted emergency services. Local law enforcement arrived at the scene, where they found the victims tied up inside the apartment, who were later released after a $43,000 cryptocurrency ransom was paid by a fellow Russian national living in Partido de la Costa.

This latest attack follows report by coingape confirming a global surge in crypto kidnappings, with the U.S. and France being major hotspots.

Authorities Attempt to Curb the Wave of Crypto Kidnappings

Meanwhile, preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects have fled the country, boarding a plane en route to the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, the Argentine Federal Police (PFA) disclosed that an Interpol Red Notice has been issued for the suspects, initiating a cross-border investigation.

Despite Interpol’s involvement, the Southern Anti-Kidnapping Department of the PFA will lead the investigations. Authorities are also tracking the movement of the ransom on-chain, but information remains sparse.

However, the Paymium kidnapping incident has prompted French authorities to increase security measures for cryptocurrency executives. Ahead of the EthCC event scheduled for June, Cometh CEO Jérôme de Tychey announced plans to bolster security for Vitalik Buterin at the event.

Independently, many crypto millionaires are hiring bodyguards in response to the surge in crypto-related abductions, aiming to enhance their personal security.