Key Takeaways
- An ex-Revolut staff member allegedly attempted to extort a cryptocurrency trader by threatening to expose sensitive KYC information unless paid in digital assets
- The victim claims the former employee reached out to relatives using the platform to intensify the extortion attempt
- Revolut has notified law enforcement authorities and maintains that no security system compromise occurred
- Physical violence targeting cryptocurrency holders increased by 75% in 2025, with 72 documented incidents globally
- French law enforcement brought charges against 25 individuals in 2025 for kidnapping schemes involving cryptocurrency ransom demands
A cryptocurrency trader operating under the alias TraderSZ has alleged that a former Revolut staff member attempted to blackmail him by threatening to release his confidential data unless he transferred cryptocurrency as payment.
TraderSZ detailed the extortion attempt on X, explaining that the ex-employee accessed his information through Revolut’s internal systems. According to his account, the individual escalated the scheme by reaching out to his relatives who maintain accounts on the platform.
“They looked up my details and found any other family member using Revolut and contacted them to force to pay up or be blackmailed,” TraderSZ wrote.
He published screenshots showing his communications with Revolut’s support team regarding the situation. Cointelegraph attempted to contact TraderSZ for additional information but has not yet received a reply.
Revolut acknowledged the extortion attempt and confirmed it has filed a report with law enforcement agencies. A company representative stated that authorities are currently pursuing an active investigation into the former worker’s suspected criminal conduct.
“This matter relates to the unlawful and criminal actions of a third party, who is a former employee,” the spokesperson said.
Revolut emphasized that its security infrastructure functioned properly and that no system vulnerabilities were exploited. The fintech company indicated it maintains ongoing communication with the targeted customer.
Revolut is a UK-based financial technology company with a $75 billion valuation as of November 2025. The service had amassed over 65 million registered users globally by September 2025.
Rising Trend of Cryptocurrency Extortion Schemes
This case represents part of an escalating trend of violent threats directed at digital currency holders.
Physical assaults against crypto investors, commonly referred to as “wrench attacks,” surged 75% throughout 2025. Cybersecurity company CertiK documented 72 confirmed incidents spanning the globe during that period.
In France, police detained six individuals in early February connected to an abduction scheme involving cryptocurrency ransom. The victim was the romantic partner of a digital currency business owner.
French prosecutors filed criminal charges against 25 defendants in various cases involving abductions, attempted kidnappings, and extortion demands during 2025.
The Value of KYC Information to Criminals
Know Your Customer information, commonly abbreviated as KYC data, is gathered by financial service providers to confirm user identities. This data typically encompasses government-issued identification documents, residential addresses, and additional personal information.
Criminals prize this information because it enables them to identify and physically locate potential victims. When paired with intelligence about cryptocurrency asset ownership, such data transforms users into prime extortion targets.
The Revolut situation demonstrates that internal threats from employees or former staff members, not solely external cybercriminals, can compromise sensitive customer information.
Revolut ranked among the most frequently downloaded financial applications across Western Europe during 2024, achieving a 7% market share according to its published annual report.
The company has not disclosed whether the former employee has been taken into custody or faces criminal charges.
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