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The incidence of “wrench attacks” targeting Bitcoin owners has increased by 75%., 2026/02/03 18:11:25
The instances of physical violence aimed at coercing Bitcoin holders to surrender their cryptocurrency have surged by 75% over the past year, according to experts from the blockchain security auditing firm CertiK.
The highest concentration of attacks occurred in France, where 19 incidents were reported within the year. Overall, European nations accounted for approximately 40% of all identified cases, indicating a persistent regional trend. In total, CertiK documented 72 incidents worldwide.
CertiK experts identified physical coercion as one of the primary threats to the cryptocurrency market, stating that this issue is no longer an exception but rather a systemic phenomenon.
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“In 2024, around 40 such attacks have been recorded globally, showing a clear upward trend. Beyond direct financial losses, the psychological and reputational repercussions are altering the behavior of the entire industry, prompting founders of crypto projects and affluent individuals to seek anonymity and relocation,” the experts noted.
The total financial damage from “keyed attacks” has been estimated by CertiK specialists at $40.9 million. However, the actual extent of losses may be significantly higher due to incomplete reporting, informal agreements with criminals, and the challenges of tracking paid amounts.
Among the most publicized incidents from the past year, experts highlighted the kidnapping for ransom of Ledger co-founder David Balland and the assault on an Italian investor, who was tortured during a visit to New York in May.
CertiK has proposed combating attacks and intimidation by creating “panic wallets.” These cryptocurrency wallets would be capable of automatically sending distress signals, calling for help for the owner, erasing balances when the investor is under duress, or generating false cryptocurrency reserves, as outlined by blockchain security specialists.
In the summer, French police reported the abduction of a 26-year-old crypto influencer in the Paris suburb of Juvisy-sur-Orge. Four assailants demanded a ransom of €50,000 ($57,000) in digital assets from the victim.
