# @nbcnews on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DMtBh_dvnp5
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/32811020-nbcnews-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/47c6a0d0ff.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-07-29T19:30:40.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** NBC News (@NBCNews) — https://gondola.cc/NBCNews

## Caption

Festo Ivaibi was the victim of a classic crime with a modern twist: crypto kidnapping.

It’s been around for nearly a decade but has become increasingly common in recent years as the value of cryptocurrencies has soared and facial recognition technology has allowed assailants easy access to victims’ phones.

In a review of news reports and legal documents, NBC News identified 67 incidents of crypto kidnapping involving a target or their family member in 44 countries, on every continent except Antarctica.

In 2024, NBC News identified 17 instances of cryptocurrency-related kidnappings, the highest reported number in the last decade. 2025 has already seen that many reported cases.

As the price of bitcoin continues to reach all-time highs, hitting over $120,000 this month, more attacks are projected to come.

Read more at the link in bio.

📷️ @esther_mbabazi for @nbcnews

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,944
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 77

## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| NBC News | @NBCNews | https://gondola.cc/NBCNews | Television News Network |
| Cela Migan | @celamigan | https://gondola.cc/celamigan | Social Media Manager |

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