Buenos Aires, Argentina – A dramatic rescue operation in the heart of Buenos Aires has exposed a chilling intersection of cryptocurrency and crime, as a Russian couple was freed after being kidnapped and held for ransom paid in digital currency. The high-stakes case has now escalated into an international manhunt, with the suspects believed to have fled to the United Arab Emirates.
The couple, reportedly operating a crypto business, were abducted from a Palermo apartment after accepting a dinner invitation from two men of Chechen origin. Authorities say the suspects had rented the unit at 1596 Ravignani Street just two nights earlier—using it as a trap to lure their targets.
Held captive inside the apartment, the couple’s ordeal ended around 11 p.m. on Friday when the female victim managed to call for help from a balcony. Speaking in English, she drew the attention of staff at a neighboring restaurant. Police swiftly responded, finding both victims bound inside.
The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of $43,000 in cryptocurrency, which was paid by a Russian friend of the couple living in Buenos Aires province. The transaction, conducted under pressure and limited communication, enabled the captives’ eventual release.
Now under the jurisdiction of Judge María Romilda Servini and the Southern Anti-Kidnapping Division of Argentina’s Federal Police, the case has gained international attention. Investigators confirmed that the suspects departed Argentina via Ezeiza International Airport just hours after the crime, with Interpol now involved in their pursuit.
The use of cryptocurrency as a ransom payment method has reignited debate over digital assets’ role in criminal activity. While critics warn of crypto’s potential to facilitate extortion due to its perceived anonymity, industry experts point to the transparency of public blockchains, which can aid in tracking illicit funds.
This incident comes amid a troubling uptick in crypto-related physical attacks. Binance, one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, recently issued a security advisory noting 15 kidnapping cases tied to digital assets in 2025 alone. The platform urged users to follow a five-step safety plan, including securing wallets, minimizing public exposure, and preparing for emergencies.
As global law enforcement tracks the fleeing suspects, the case underscores the growing challenges—and opportunities—that cryptocurrency presents to both criminals and those pursuing justice.
