Crypto crime became markedly more violent in 2025, as physical attacks designed to steal digital assets surged worldwide, according to a new report from blockchain security firm CertiK.
Incidents known as “wrench attacks”—where victims are threatened or assaulted into surrendering private keys—increased 75% from the prior year, with 72 confirmed cases recorded globally. CertiK said the figures point to a clear inflection, with physical coercion emerging as a mainstream threat to crypto holders.
The report documented a 250% jump in physical assaults tied to crypto theft, including home invasions, kidnappings, and at least one fatal attack. Europe accounted for more than 40% of global incidents, nearly doubling its share from 22% in 2024.
France was the hardest-hit country, reporting 19 attacks—more than twice the number recorded in the United States. Spain and Sweden also saw notable increases, which CertiK attributed to organized crime groups increasingly targeting individuals believed to control significant cryptocurrency holdings.
Attack methods varied. In some cases, criminals forced entry into victims’ homes. In others, they targeted family members—such as spouses, children, or elderly parents—to compel cooperation. The report also highlighted the use of “honeypot” schemes, in which attackers cultivated fake romantic relationships before staging physical assaults.
CertiK linked the rise in violence to advances in digital security that have raised the cost and difficulty of hacking. The firm described this shift as the “Technical Paradox,” noting that as technical defenses strengthen, attackers increasingly exploit human vulnerability.
Confirmed losses from wrench attacks exceeded $40 million in 2025, though CertiK warned the true figure is likely higher due to widespread underreporting. The firm said the trend underscores that personal safety has become an integral part of crypto risk management.
To address the growing threat, parts of the crypto industry are turning to insurance solutions. Several insurers, including Lloyd’s of London, have begun offering policies that explicitly cover losses stemming from wrench attacks.
