Physical attacks against crypto holders reach alarming figures in 2025: TRM Labs analysis reveals the hidden magnitude of the threat

LiquidityWizard · 2026-01-12T14:30:36+00:00

The essay examines the growing threat of "wrench" attacks on cryptocurrency owners in 2025, with a notable increase in reported incidents. It highlights the underestimation of these crimes in statistics and the security implications for the crypto ecosystem.

LiquidityWizard

2026-01-12 14:30:36

Abstract generation in progress

Cryptographic asset security faces an increasingly sophisticated threat: wrench attacks. This term, which seemingly trivializes physical coercion through basic tools, describes a complex reality where even the most advanced encryption systems are vulnerable to direct violence.

Historical record of incidents in 2025

According to data released by Ari Redbord, Global Head of Policy and Government Affairs at TRM Labs, the year 2025 marks a concerning milestone in the history of digital asset-related crime. Records document approximately 60 wrench attack cases directed against cryptocurrency owners, significantly doubling the totals from previous years.

The historical comparison is compelling: 2024 accumulated around 41 reported incidents, while 2021 recorded 36 cases. This escalation reflects both a real increase in violence and greater visibility of the phenomenon in official reports.

The problem of missing data

However, the figure of 60 incidents likely underestimates the true scope of the problem. Redbord warns that “the actual number could be significantly higher,” explaining that many of these crimes never appear in cybersecurity statistics. The reasons are multiple:

Many cases are classified solely as common thefts or home invasions, hiding the specific component of wrench attack aimed at crypto assets. Law enforcement often fails to properly identify or record the digital asset element in these crimes.

Victims, for their part, hesitate to report these attacks due to distrust in authorities’ ability to investigate crimes related to cryptocurrencies, resulting in a significant dark figure.

Implications for ecosystem security

This trend underscores the inherent vulnerability of any cryptographic system when faced with physical coercion. No matter how sophisticated data protection measures are, no encryption protocol can defend itself against a direct threat to the asset owner. The risk, both real and perceived, continues to expand within the crypto ecosystem.

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