New York City's new property database has sparked concerns among crypto leaders about increased security risks for wealthy individuals due to potential targeting by criminals.
Concerns Over Security Risks with New Database
A newly launched searchable property database by New York City is causing significant alarm within the cryptocurrency community. Crypto leaders warn that this tool, which aggregates public property assessment records, poses heightened security threats to wealthy property owners.
The database is based on information from the New York City Department of Finance, which provides annual property assessments for tax purposes. This year’s assessment roll, along with supplementary market data, has been made available through the city’s Open Data portal, allowing easier access to owners' information.
Critics argue that while property records have traditionally been public, the way this data is organized makes it particularly vulnerable. The ease of searching for high-value properties could lead to increased targeting by criminals. Hayden Adams, founder of Uniswap, voiced strong condemnation, labeling the aggregation as "the worst mass doxxing I've ever seen." He criticized the database for exposing not just owners but entire buildings of affluent residents.
Adams stated, "They clearly took an incredibly expansive view of 'could be' and just doxxed a huge percentage of all expensive apartments in New York City."
Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Helius, emphasized the unsettling nature of this tool, arguing it consolidates what was previously scattered information into a centralized profile that highlights affluent individuals. He pointed out that this restructuring marks a troubling trend in privacy erosion.
Adding to the concerns, Nic Carter from Castle Island Ventures warned that such a database not only lists wealthy individuals but their addresses as well, which could facilitate criminal activities. He referenced recent violent incidents involving cryptocurrency holders, particularly in Europe, where criminals have targeted crypto investors.
Growing incidents of violence against cryptocurrency investors, such as kidnappings and home invasions, further underscore these apprehensions. In 2025, blockchain security firm CertiK reported a 75% rise in global violent attacks against crypto holders compared to the previous year, with losses exceeding $40.9 million. The first half of 2026 has seen a significant continuation of this trend, with 52 verified attacks resulting in financial losses of $124 million, raising red flags about the ongoing risks for affluent cryptocurrency investors.
