Key Points
- An ex-staff member at Revolut allegedly attempted to extort cryptocurrency from a trader by threatening to expose sensitive KYC documentation
- The victim claims the former employee contacted relatives who bank with Revolut to increase pressure
- Revolut has involved law enforcement in the investigation and maintains no security breach occurred
- Physical threats against cryptocurrency holders increased 75% in 2025, with 72 documented incidents globally
- In France alone, authorities brought charges against 25 individuals in 2025 for crypto-related kidnapping and extortion schemes
A cryptocurrency investor operating under the alias TraderSZ has come forward with allegations that a former Revolut staff member attempted to extort digital currency from him by threatening to release his private information.
In a series of posts on X, TraderSZ detailed how the alleged perpetrator accessed his personal data through Revolut’s internal infrastructure. According to his account, the individual escalated the extortion attempt by reaching out to his 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 visual evidence of 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.
The fintech company acknowledged the incident and confirmed that law enforcement has been notified. A representative from Revolut stated that investigative agencies are currently examining the former worker’s purported misconduct.
“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 protective measures functioned properly and denied any compromise of established protocols. The organization confirmed it maintains ongoing communication with the impacted client.
The British financial technology company reached a valuation of $75 billion in November 2025. By September 2025, the service had accumulated over 65 million users across the globe.
Growing Trend of Crypto-Related Extortion
This case reflects a concerning escalation in threats directed at digital asset holders.
So-called “wrench attacks”—physical confrontations targeting crypto investors—surged 75% throughout 2025. Security research organization CertiK documented 72 confirmed incidents across various countries during that period.
French law enforcement detained six individuals in early February connected to an abduction scheme involving cryptocurrency ransom. The victim was romantically linked to a digital currency business owner.
Throughout 2025, French prosecutors filed charges against 25 defendants across numerous cases involving abductions, attempted kidnappings, and extortion demands related to cryptocurrency.
The Value of Identity Verification Records
Know Your Customer information—commonly referred to as KYC data—represents the documentation financial services collect to confirm user identities. This typically encompasses government-issued identification documents, residential addresses, and additional personal particulars.
Such information holds significant value for criminals as it enables them to identify and physically locate specific individuals. When paired with intelligence about cryptocurrency assets, this data transforms users into prime targets for blackmail and worse.
The Revolut situation demonstrates that threats can originate from within organizations, not solely from external cybercriminals.
According to the company’s annual reporting, Revolut ranked among Western Europe’s most frequently downloaded financial applications in 2024, achieving a 7% market penetration rate.
Revolut has not disclosed whether the former staff member has faced arrest or criminal charges.
