Why Wrench Attacks Are Becoming Crypto’s Most Violent Crime

Wrench attacks are a growing form of crypto crime involving physical coercion, such as abduction or threats, to force victims to unlock crypto wallets or authorize transfers, bypassing digital security entirely. This trend is evidenced by incidents like the kidnapping of a Ledger co-founder's relative. Analysis suggests that reported wrench attacks have risen, correlating strongly with increases in total crypto market capitalization, as higher prices create larger, more appealing targets. The ease of real-world targeting is facilitated by public-facing crypto roles, P2P deals, and data leaks that link online identities to offline addresses. To mitigate risk, experts advise lowering visibility by decoupling real identity from crypto activity, reducing instantly accessible balances, and treating support impersonation attempts seriously, emphasizing that physical safety must always be the priority over protecting digital assets.

(Source：Cointelegraph)