A Russian national was reportedly kidnapped in Bali and held for nearly 30 hours until he surrendered access to his cryptocurrency account, according to local police.
Bali police are now investigating the case and hunting the perpetrators, who fled after dumping the victim outside a hospital.
How the Bali Crypto Kidnapping Unfolded
The victim, identified only by the initials AI, was stopped near Pecatu in South Kuta on July 2 at about 9:35 p.m. Two masked men in a black Nissan Serena blocked his motorcycle as he left his restaurant.
The attackers handcuffed him with plastic restraints, covered his head, and drove him to a two-story building. Police say he was punched and kicked for roughly 30 hours until he handed over his account password.
The assailants also seized his Xiaomi phone. They then used his villa keys to enter his home and grab a second device linked to his wallet. The victim was released on July 4 outside Udayana University Hospital, where he sought emergency treatment.
Bali Police spokesman Senior Commissioner Ariasandy said investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and phone data across the crime scenes.
Crypto Holders Face Rising Wrench Attacks
The attack fits a widening global pattern of violent “wrench attacks” that target crypto holders in person rather than through hacking. France logged 77 crypto kidnappings and extortions since January 2026. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez unveiled a three-pillar security plan to counter the threat.
In the latest case, no arrests have been announced yet. Investigators are still assessing the stolen crypto and verifying the suspects’ identities.
Source: BeInCrypto
