Revolut confirms ex-employee threatened to leak KYC data for crypto ransom

CoinTelegraph

by Zoltan Vardai

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A former employee of Revolut has allegedly attempted to extort a cryptocurrency trader by threatening to leak sensitive personal information unless a ransom was paid. The trader, who uses the pseudonym TraderSZ, claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that the individual targeted him personally and even contacted his family members who used Revolut services. Screenshots shared by TraderSZ purportedly show interactions with Revolut’s customer support regarding the incident. While Revolut confirmed the matter to law enforcement, they emphasized that no systems were breached, suggesting the threat may have been facilitated through alternative means. TraderSZ detailed how the former employee allegedly obtained his personal data and pressured him into paying a ransom by threatening to expose both his identity and private details. He also shared screenshots of messages exchanged with Revolut’s customer support during the ordeal. The trader sought clarification on specific information accessed and whether a formal complaint had been filed, but did not receive immediate responses from Cointelegraph. This incident raises concerns about data security and employee vetting within financial institutions, particularly in the crypto sector where personal information is highly sensitive. While Revolut has assured that no systems were compromised, the situation highlights vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. The case also underscores the importance of vigilance for crypto traders and the need for robust internal controls to prevent such threats. For readers interested in crypto, this story serves as a reminder of the risks associated with personal data exposure and the potential for exploitation by former employees or other bad actors. It also emphasizes the importance of institutions maintaining strong security protocols and promptly addressing any such incidents to protect their users.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/23/2026