Key Points
- An individual who previously worked at Revolut allegedly attempted to extort cryptocurrency from a trader by threatening to expose sensitive KYC information
- According to the victim, the former staff member reached out to relatives who bank with Revolut as part of the intimidation campaign
- The fintech company has notified law enforcement about the incident and maintains that its security infrastructure remained intact
- Violence targeting cryptocurrency holders increased by 75% in 2025, with 72 documented incidents globally
- Law enforcement in France brought charges against 25 individuals in 2025 for abduction schemes involving cryptocurrency extortion
A cryptocurrency investor using the handle TraderSZ has alleged that a person who formerly worked for Revolut attempted to blackmail him by threatening to release sensitive personal data unless cryptocurrency was transferred.
https://twitter.com/trader1sz/status/2024486929996165337?s=20
In a public statement posted to X, TraderSZ claimed the former staff member accessed his information through Revolut’s internal infrastructure. The alleged perpetrator reportedly escalated the situation by making contact with relatives who maintain accounts with 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.
The trader provided images of correspondence with Revolut’s support team regarding the situation. Cointelegraph attempted to obtain additional information from TraderSZ but has not yet received a reply.
Revolut has acknowledged the allegations and stated that appropriate authorities have been notified. According to a company representative, investigators are currently examining the former worker’s purported conduct.
“This matter relates to the unlawful and criminal actions of a third party, who is a former employee,” the spokesperson said.
The company emphasized that its protective measures functioned properly and that no violation of established protocols took place. Revolut indicated it maintains ongoing communication with the individual affected by this incident.
Revolut operates as a UK-based financial technology enterprise with a valuation reaching $75 billion in November 2025. By September 2025, the service had attracted over 65 million customers across the globe.
Growing Threat of Cryptocurrency Extortion
This case fits within an expanding trend of intimidation tactics directed at individuals holding digital assets.
Physically violent incidents targeting crypto asset owners, commonly referred to as “wrench attacks,” climbed 75% throughout 2025. Security analytics company CertiK documented 72 confirmed occurrences around the world during that period.
French law enforcement made six arrests in early February connected to an abduction scheme that involved cryptocurrency ransom demands. The victim was the romantic partner of someone working in the crypto industry.
Across France, prosecutors filed charges against 25 individuals throughout 2025 in various cases encompassing abductions, attempted abductions, and extortion attempts.
Why KYC Information Attracts Criminal Interest
Know Your Customer protocols require financial service providers to gather identification data from users. This information generally consists of official identification documents, residential addresses, and additional personal particulars.
Such data holds significant appeal for criminals since it enables identification and physical location of specific individuals. When paired with information about cryptocurrency ownership, this data transforms users into prime extortion candidates.
The situation at Revolut demonstrates that threats can originate from within organizations, not exclusively from outside hackers.
According to its annual disclosure, Revolut ranked among Western Europe’s most frequently downloaded financial applications in 2024, capturing 7% of the regional market.
The organization has not disclosed whether the former team member has faced arrest or formal charges.
