British fintech giant Revolut has confirmed a criminal investigation after a prominent cryptocurrency trader alleged that a former staff member attempted to blackmail him. The incident highlights a disturbing trend of “insider threats” and the personal targeting of high-net-worth digital asset investors.
A Campaign of Harassment
The victim, known online as TraderSZ, shared on social media that a former Revolut employee gained access to his private Know Your Customer (KYC) data. The attacker allegedly threatened to leak his identity and sensitive files unless a crypto ransom was paid.
The extortion attempt went beyond the trader himself:
- Family Targeting: The individual reportedly searched Revolut’s database for the trader’s relatives.
- Direct Pressure: Family members who also used the banking app received messages intended to coerce the trader into compliance.
Revolut’s Response: Insider Malice, Not System Failure
A spokesperson for Revolut, which reached a $75 billion valuation in late 2025, confirmed that the matter has been handed over to law enforcement.
The company was quick to distinguish between a hack and a rogue employee:
- Systems Intact: Revolut maintains that its security protocols and data protection systems functioned correctly.
- Third-Party Criminality: The firm categorized the incident as the “unlawful and criminal actions” of a single individual rather than a technical breach or procedural failure.
The Rising Threat to Crypto Wealth
This case is part of a broader, more violent trend affecting the crypto space in 2026. As digital assets become more valuable, investors are increasingly facing “real-world” threats:
- Physical Attacks: According to CertiK, “wrench attacks” (physical robberies or kidnappings) surged by 75% in 2025.
- Coordinated Kidnappings: French authorities recently dismantled a major ring involved in multiple cryptocurrency-linked ransom plots and abductions.
