Crypto Crime Surge: Violence and Xinbi Guarantee Exposed

A global surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and murders targeting cryptocurrency tycoons and their families has raised alarm about the safety of industry participants, with incidents reported in France, Argentina, and other countries. Recent high-profile cases include an attempted kidnapping in Paris and the abduction of Ledger wallet's founder and his wife, fueling concerns over organized crime targeting crypto holders due to the difficulty in tracking digital assets. Authorities across the EU are investigating, with French officials convening to address the escalating threat, while law enforcement notes that some crypto transactions remain traceable, aiding arrests. Simultaneously, blockchain analytics firm Elliptic identified Colorado-based Xinbi Guarantee as a major illicit crypto marketplace laundering at least $8.4 billion, operating mainly via Telegram and serving Southeast Asian scammers, with links to North Korean hackers. Xinbi offers money laundering services, stolen data, and scam technology, and has rapidly expanded its operations. The convergence of violent and cybercrime in the cryptocurrency sector is prompting urgent calls for stronger regulation and increased protection.