Cybercriminals in Europe are increasingly engaging in violent tactics, with 18 reported incidents in 2025, predominantly in France. This surge, termed “violence as a service,” includes high-profile cases like the kidnapping of Ledger co-founders. The UK remains the most targeted country for cybercrime, with over 2,100 attacks recorded since 2024, primarily from ransomware and data theft groups. The rise in violence is linked to organized networks that facilitate traditional cybercrime and physical theft, especially concerning cryptocurrency.
https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/04/cybercriminals_increasingly_rely_on_violence/