Revolut is reportedly facing a $3m (£2.2m) ransom demand following a data breach that affected hundreds of its cryptocurrency customers. Hackers, posing as government officials, gained access to customer data after compromising an Italian government email system to contact Revolut staff.
Europe's largest financial technology company confirmed last weekend it had fallen victim to an impersonation scam. While the breach affected around 680 of Revolut's 80 million global customers, it is believed to have targeted those with suspected cryptocurrency holdings.
A Revolut spokesperson stated the company "has not received any direct contact or demand from the individuals or group making these claims." The company also confirmed it immediately blocked the fraudulent address, alerted relevant agencies, and contacted the limited number of impacted individuals directly.
Mark Karpelès, former chief executive of Mt. Gox, identified himself as a victim, expressing concerns for his family's safety due to his address being in the stolen files. He has contacted law enforcement in Tokyo. Karpelès, a Revolut customer since 2023, does not believe Revolut should pay the ransom.