Bitcoin ‘Wrench Attacks’ Surge in 2025
In 2025, the cryptocurrency community has seen a sharp increase in Bitcoin wrench attacks—physical assaults forcing victims to surrender their Bitcoin holdings. According to Chainalysis, 35 incidents were reported by July, putting this year on track to double the previous record of 36 attacks in 2021.
What’s Driving the Rise in Bitcoin Wrench Attacks?
Chainalysis identifies three key factors behind this trend:
- Bitcoin’s soaring value, exceeding $122,000 in 2025, makes holders more visible targets
- Criminals mistakenly believe cryptocurrencies offer complete anonymity
- Traditional organized crime groups are increasingly targeting crypto holders
The Traceability Myth
During the 2025 Consensus conference, Chainalysis CEO Jonathan Levin emphasized that criminals often operate under the false assumption that cryptocurrency transactions can’t be traced. This misconception, combined with Bitcoin’s rising value, has led to more violent crimes against crypto holders.
Protective Measures Against Wrench Attacks
Several solutions could help reduce these attacks:
- Blockchain‘s transparent nature makes stolen funds traceable
- Stablecoins can be frozen when stolen
- Bitcoin ETFs allow exposure without direct asset ownership
The Underreporting Problem
While Jameson Lopp‘s database documents wrench attacks since 2014, many incidents likely go unreported. Victims often fear retaliation or believe authorities can’t help, making accurate statistics difficult to obtain.
