Searchable NYC Property Database Puts Wealthy Residents at Risk, Critics Warn
A searchable database built from New York City property assessment records is drawing strong criticism from crypto leaders, who say it turns public data into an easy-to-use directory of wealthy property owners and could increase physical risk. The city’s Department of Finance already publishes property assessment and market value data publicly, but critics argue that aggregating it into a searchable format makes it much easier to identify expensive apartments and their owners. Uniswap founder Hayden Adams called it “mass doxxing,” saying it exposed nearly every unit in some luxury buildings. Helius CEO Mert Mumtaz said it effectively singled out wealthy people. Castle Island Ventures partner Nic Carter warned it could aid kidnappings and violent attacks. The backlash comes amid rising “wrench attacks” against crypto holders, including kidnappings, home invasions, and assaults, with reported losses and incidents increasing sharply in 2025 and 2026.
