Blockstream Refuses Ransom Demand as Nearly 600 Bitcoin Remain Missing

By Isaac • September 11, 2026 7:10 am •

Blockstream has drawn a hard line in the fight over nearly 600 bitcoin that remain in the hands of the actors behind the Liquid Network exploit.

In a public statement Friday, the Bitcoin infrastructure company said it would not pay a ransom for the return of the funds. Blockstream also rejected the idea that taking assets without permission and withholding them could qualify as responsible security disclosure.

To those responsible for the theft of bitcoin from the Liquid Network:

Blockstream will not pay a ransom for the return of stolen funds. Taking assets without authorization and withholding their return is a crime, not responsible disclosure. It is not white-hat activity. It is…

— Blockstream (@Blockstream)