Rising Wrench Attacks on Crypto Holders Result in $19M in Losses
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 05 2026- Rising Security Threats: Since late 2025, wrench attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders have surged in Europe and Asia, involving violent coercion to extract wallet information, highlighting significant security challenges for crypto assets.
- Major Loss Incidents: Notable cases include an $11 million theft in San Francisco and an $8 million kidnapping in Minnesota, underscoring the high risks associated with these attacks and prompting increased focus on security measures among crypto holders.
- Market Response: While these incidents have not yet shown a consistent impact on the cryptocurrency market, anxiety among investors and crypto enthusiasts continues to rise, reflecting heightened concerns over security issues.
- Need for Policy Interventions: As the frequency of attacks increases, law enforcement and legal communities face greater pressure to improve response strategies, with calls for coordinated policy interventions to address these escalating violent threats.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
