$BTC 2025 was indeed a record-breaking year for physical violence targeting cryptocurrency holders, with approximately 60 reported "wrench attacks" and a total of over 230 physical incidents documented since early 2024.
Leading blockchain analytics firms like TRM Labs and Chainalysis confirmed that these figures represent the highest on record, nearly doubling previous peaks.
Breaking Down the Statistics
The term "wrench attack" refers to the $5 wrench concept: no matter how strong your digital encryption is, it can be bypassed by a criminal threatening you with a physical weapon.
Why Did This Happen in 2025?
• Shift from Digital to Physical: As DeFi security and exchange protocols improved, criminals found it easier to target the "human element" (the owner) rather than trying to hack a
.Large purchases, "flexing" wallet balances, or attending high-profile crypto conferences without security made them visible targets.
• Targeted Kidnappings: Major incidents in 2025 included the kidnapping of David Balland (founder of Ledger) and an Italian investor who was held for 17 days for a $28 million ransom.
• Underreporting: Experts believe the number 60 is conservative. Many attacks are classified as simple "armed robberies" by police who don't understand crypto, or go unreported by victims who fear further retaliation.
How to Protect Yourself
The advice to "Stay humble and don't flaunt" is the most effective defense against these crimes. To stay safe:
1. Digital Silence: Avoid posting screenshots of balances or discussing your holdings in public forums.
2. Multi-Sig Wallets: Use wallets that require multiple signatures from different geographical locations to move funds.
3. Duress PINs: Use hardware wallets that offer a "dummy" account with a small amount of funds to show an attacker.
4. Operational Security .Be cautious at crypto-specific meetups where you might be followed or identified by your digital footprint.
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