Key Points
- Former Revolut staff member allegedly used access to customer KYC information to demand cryptocurrency payment
- The targeted trader reported that family members with Revolut accounts were also contacted as pressure tactics
- Revolut has involved law enforcement and states their security protocols remained intact throughout
- Verified physical attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders increased 75% during 2025, totaling 72 confirmed incidents globally
- During 2025, French law enforcement charged 25 individuals connected to abduction cases involving cryptocurrency extortion
A cryptocurrency trader using the handle TraderSZ reported that a former Revolut staff member attempted to extort him using personal data accessed through the company’s platform.
TraderSZ detailed the incident through posts on X, explaining that the individual retrieved his information via Revolut’s internal systems. According to his account, the former employee escalated the situation 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 screenshots showing his communications with Revolut’s support team regarding the situation. Cointelegraph attempted to contact TraderSZ for additional information but has yet to receive a reply.
Revolut acknowledged the incident occurred and confirmed the case has been turned over to legal authorities. According to a company representative, investigators are currently examining the former employee’s alleged conduct.
“This matter relates to the unlawful and criminal actions of a third party, who is a former employee,” the spokesperson said.
The fintech company emphasized that their security infrastructure functioned properly and that no procedural violations took place. Revolut stated they maintain ongoing communication with the customer affected by this incident.
Revolut operates as a British financial technology company with a valuation reaching $75 billion in November 2025. By September 2025, the platform served over 65 million users across the globe.
Growing Trend of Cryptocurrency Extortion
This case reflects a wider trend of threats directed at individuals holding digital assets.
Physical attacks targeting crypto investors, commonly called “wrench attacks,” surged 75% throughout 2025. Cybersecurity company CertiK documented 72 confirmed incidents around the world during that period.
French law enforcement detained six individuals in early February connected to an abduction scheme involving cryptocurrency ransom demands. The victim was the partner of someone active in the crypto industry.
Throughout 2025, French prosecutors brought charges against 25 suspects across various cases involving abductions, abduction attempts, and extortion demands.
Why KYC Information Matters to Criminals
Know Your Customer information, commonly abbreviated as KYC data, represents the verification details financial platforms gather to confirm user identities. This information typically encompasses government identification documents, residential addresses, and additional personal particulars.
Criminals value this information highly because it enables them to identify and track down specific individuals. Pairing this data with information about someone’s cryptocurrency assets creates prime targets for extortion schemes.
The situation at Revolut demonstrates that threats can originate from inside sources, extending beyond external cybercriminal activity.
Revolut ranked among the most frequently downloaded financial applications across Western Europe during 2024, achieving 7% market penetration according to the company’s annual report.
The company has yet to disclose whether the former employee has faced arrest or formal charges.
