Brazilian deputy proposes gun rights for crypto investors

Brazilian Deputy Capitão Alden (PL/BA) has introduced a bill proposing that cryptocurrency investors be granted the right to carry firearms. The legislation specifically targets individuals categorized as “possessors of virtual assets at risk of physical coercion.”

To qualify, the proposal requires that investors practice self-custody, meaning they maintain exclusive control over their private keys rather than using banks or exchanges. Additionally, the right would apply to those with significant public exposure, such as industry executives, founders, or prominent advocates for the sector.

The deputy cited the rise of “wrench attacks”—physical assaults, kidnappings, or home invasions intended to force victims to transfer digital assets—as the primary justification. The bill notes that while Brazil has seen instances of such crimes, including a high-profile kidnapping in 2021, the phenomenon is a global issue affecting investors in countries like France and the United States. The proposal includes provisions for reinforced data protection and prohibits the mandatory disclosure of wallet addresses or cryptographic keys to obtain the permit.