Wrench Attacks on Crypto Users Surge in 2025

In the year 2025, wrench attacks on crypto users rose, resulting in the loss of more than $40 million, which had been confirmed worldwide

ContentsWrench attacks shift crime from screens to streetsEurope records the highest share of reported casesPanic wallets and privacy are seen as partial defensesThe increase represents a change from digital hacks to real-life threats to crypto holders.

CertiK is a blockchain security firm that reported 72 confirmed wrench attacks in 2025 around the world. This amount is an increment of 75% over the last year

The attacks were conducted using physical or threats of coercing victims into handing over personal keys or transferring assets

CertiK cautioned that those outage cases have become the fundamental security threat in the crypto industry.

Wrench attacks shift crime from screens to streets

Wrench attacks refer to cases in which the criminals assault or intimidate the crypto users or their families. The aim is to get access to wallets, credentials, or ransom

CertiK claimed that criminals are finding it more lucrative to employ physical coercion as opposed to internet adventures.

The company ascertained that it incurred losses amounting to $40.9 million in 2025 due to these attacks. Nevertheless, the real losses are probably greater

A large number of victims will not report cases, fearing or engaging in personal settlements. Some ransom have no trace on the blockchain.

CertiK reported that the problem of violent actions associated with crypto ownership has become one of the most quickly evolving security risks

As the company has observed, there are attackers that target individual investors and those associated with crypto enterprises

These are crimes which tend to be committed at a place of residence or even in the street, and this places a personal risk.

Europe records the highest share of reported cases

In the year 2025, Europe alone reported about 40% of wrench attacks. France registered the greatest number of 19 confirmed cases

CertiK failed to publish a comprehensive geographical breakdown, but verified incidents on several continents.

Some high-profile cases caused the issue to come into the limelight of the world

In January, a crypto executive and spouse were abducted in France and were ransomed. In May, a crypto-owner of Italian origin was allegedly kidnapped and tortured in New York City.

According to industry persons, the attackers do not necessarily target large sums

The founder of SatoshiLabs, Alena Vranova, indicated that such attacks are frequently linked with small crypto values. Others were targeted in the streets at close to $6,000

Others were assassinated on estates of near $50,000.

Panic wallets and privacy are seen as partial defenses

Physical risk reduction tools are a new area of interest for security experts

A suggestion is that of panic wallets, which are used in case of an emergency

These wallets can either send a silent notification, postponing transfers, or spoofing route attackers on decoy balances.

Professionals warn that technology does not provide a lot of protection when physical control is lost

Consequently, a number of them focus on privacy laws and discretion as the main protections

CertiK does not encourage users to post the size of their portfolio and showcase wealth on the internet.

Separating the publicly identifiable and the private wallet activity is also suggested by security professionals

The tourists are encouraged to focus on individual security as well as online security

CertiK cautioned that with the increase in crypto adoption, both online and offline, criminals would still be pursuing value.