Spanish Police Dismantle Cross-Border Gang Behind Crypto-Targeted Kidnapping and Murder
Spanish authorities have arrested five individuals and, in coordination with Danish police, charged four additional suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a man targeted for his cryptocurrency holdings. The case underscores a disturbing rise in violent crimes aimed at forcibly extracting access to digital assets.
According to police, the criminal network operated across borders and specialized in targeting individuals believed to control significant cryptocurrency wallets. The investigation began in April after a woman reported to police in Málaga that she and her partner had been abducted in the nearby town of Mijas.
Authorities stated that the couple was ambushed by three to four masked men, dressed in black and armed with handguns. During the attempted escape, the male victim was shot in the leg, after which both victims were forced into a vehicle and taken to a residence, where they were held captive for several hours.
During the ordeal, the attackers repeatedly attempted to gain access to the couple’s cryptocurrency wallets. The woman was released around midnight, but her partner was later found dead in a wooded area. Police reported that, in addition to the gunshot wound, the victim showed clear signs of prolonged violence.
Spanish law enforcement conducted six coordinated raids across Madrid and Málaga, seizing firearms (one real and one imitation), a baton, blood-stained clothing, mobile devices, documents, and biological evidence linking suspects to the crime scene. Danish authorities, working closely with Spanish investigators, charged four individuals connected to the case, two of whom were already incarcerated for similar offenses.
Rising Threat of “Wrench Attacks”
This case highlights the growing threat of so-called “wrench attacks”—physical assaults designed to coerce victims into surrendering access to their cryptocurrency wallets. As crypto adoption increases, such attacks have become more frequent and more brutal, raising serious concerns around personal security and asset protection within the digital asset space.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that while cryptocurrencies are digital, the risks surrounding them can be very real—and increasingly violent.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or security advice. Cryptocurrency ownership involves unique risks, including personal safety considerations.
