Security Alerts: Wrench attacks against crypto investors multiply in 2025

The security landscape in the crypto ecosystem has significantly deteriorated during 2025. According to TRM Labs analysis, crimes involving physical coercion against crypto asset holders have reached alarming figures, highlighting a growing trend of violence specifically aimed at extracting digital funds.

Numbers Reflecting a Security Crisis

Last year, approximately 60 cases were recorded where investors were victims of extortion and physical violence to compromise their digital assets. This figure represents a substantial increase compared to previous years: 2024 saw around 41 cases, while 2021 documented 36 similar situations. The progression is unequivocal and concerning for the entire crypto community.

However, these official numbers barely scratch the surface of the real problem. Security analysis experts warn that the figure could be significantly higher. Many incidents never surface in statistical reports because they are recorded as conventional thefts or home invasions, omitting the fact that the main motive was to access wallets and digital funds. Additionally, many victims choose not to report these crimes due to skepticism about institutional capacity to investigate crimes linked to cryptocurrencies.

The Threat of Wrench Attacks

The term “wrench” is no mere linguistic coincidence. It represents a frightening reality: any sophistication in encryption and digital security protocols can be neutralized through direct physical pressure. An attacker armed with simple tools or credible threats can force a crypto holder to reveal recovery phrases, passwords, or access to decentralized exchanges.

This attack method exploits the fundamental gap between cryptographic security and human vulnerability. No matter how technologically fortified a wallet is, the weak link remains the person controlling the private keys.

Why Are the Actual Numbers Probably Higher?

The discrepancy between reported cases and estimated reality is due to several factors. First, institutional lack of specialization: local law enforcement agencies often categorize these crimes under common crime, without recognizing the digital asset component. Second, victims’ distrust of authorities prevents them from filing formal reports. Third, many affected individuals prefer to resolve the situation privately to avoid public exposure of their crypto holdings.

As cryptocurrency adoption expands and larger sums of value are concentrated in personal wallets, this personal security risk becomes increasingly relevant for investors who must safeguard both their digital assets and their physical integrity.