Unpacking the Grisliest Wrench Attacks in Crypto History
The world of cryptocurrency has always been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it promises financial freedom and decentralization. On the other, it has brought about some of the most gruesome crimes as seen in 2025, marking a chilling chapter in crypto security history. If you’re wondering whether your crypto is safe, the unfortunate rise of wrench attacks—a term used for physical coercion to steal crypto assets—signals the importance of better security protocols for crypto investors.
Bitcoin’s Price Surge Leads to Crime Surge
Bitcoin, which hit an all-time high of $90,000 in 2025, inadvertently became a magnet for physical attacks on its holders. According to Jameson Lopp, CTO of Casa, a blockchain security firm, a chilling 65 documented wrench attacks occurred last year, with countless more suspected to be unreported. These brutal cases have left no stone unturned in shocking the crypto community.
The Most Devastating Wrench Attacks of 2025
1. Ledger Co-Founder Kidnapped
One of the most horrifying attacks of the year unfolded in January when David Balland, a Ledger co-founder, was taken from his own home in France. Balland was held captive alongside his wife for 24 hours, with the attackers severing one of his fingers as a gruesome warning. Their demands for ransom payments were part of an organized scheme, leading to the arrest of the alleged mastermind in June.
2. Waterboarding Horror in Canada
A family in British Columbia faced an unimaginable ordeal involving waterboarding and assault while attackers tried forcing access to their crypto fortune. This harrowing crime, committed under the guise of postal workers, resulted in the theft of $1.6 million worth of cryptocurrency. One assailant was sentenced to seven years in prison, but the emotional scars remain.
3. Abduction in London
Visiting London turned into a nightmare for Jacob Irwin-Cline, an American tourist, after he was lured into a vehicle pretending to be an Uber. Drugged with scopolamine, Irwin-Cline was coerced into revealing access to his crypto accounts, resulting in losses of $72,000 in XRP and $50,000 in Bitcoin. The criminals abandoned him in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
4. Torture Scheme Targets Italian Businessman
In New York, two men allegedly committed medieval-style torture, including electric shocks and threats of murder, to extract crypto wallet access from an Italian businessman. Despite video evidence claiming his compliance, the intensity of the attack underscores the lengths some are willing to go for crypto assets.
5. A Student Burned in Vienna
Perhaps the grimmest crime of them all occurred in Vienna, where 21-year-old Ukrainian student Danylo K. was beaten, burned, and left for dead. Crypto withdrawals from his wallet revealed a financial motive behind the gruesome act perpetrated by assailants who fled to Ukraine but were ultimately arrested.
How to Protect Yourself Against Crypto Wrench Attacks
While software security for crypto wallets has advanced, physical safety is equally critical. Use cold storage wallets like the trusted Ledger Nano X for offline crypto protection. Additionally, avoid sharing your crypto holdings publicly and consider hiring professionals for wallet custody if your holdings are substantial.
Final Thoughts
As cryptocurrency continues to intersect with mainstream finance, security challenges will persist. These wrench attacks serve as stark reminders of the importance of vigilance—not just in your digital practices but in personal safety as well.
