Physical attacks on cryptocurrency holders are rising sharply this year, with security experts warning that 2025 could become the most dangerous year yet for investors.
At the Baltic Honeybadger conference in Riga, SatoshiLabs founder Alena Vranova described a wave of “wrench attacks” — kidnappings, assaults, and extortion aimed at forcing victims to surrender their private keys.
These incidents are no longer limited to wealthy early adopters. Victims have been targeted for as little as $6,000 in crypto, and some attacks have turned deadly over sums under $50,000. Vranova said at least one such crime now occurs every week worldwide.
Fueling the surge is a flood of stolen personal data. Over 80 million crypto user identities have been exposed online, including more than two million with home addresses. Many leaks originate from centralized exchanges and wallet services required to collect Know Your Customer (KYC) details. Once breached, these records give criminals the information they need to identify and locate potential victims.
Recent breaches include a Coinbase hack affecting customer names and addresses, along with billions of stolen credentials from tech giants like Apple, Facebook, and Google. Combined with blockchain analysis tools, these leaks make it easier for attackers to match identities to high-value wallets.
The bull market has only made matters worse, attracting inexperienced investors who often lack strong security practices. Criminal groups are exploiting this by launching targeted phishing campaigns, SIM swaps, and — in the worst cases — physical assaults.
In response, both prominent and everyday investors are stepping up their defenses: hiring private security, securing homes, using non-custodial wallets, and keeping holdings confidential. Experts stress the importance of “opsec” — strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, breach monitoring, and avoiding public discussion of crypto portfolios.
If current trends continue, analysts warn that violent attacks on crypto holders could surpass — and possibly double — the previous yearly record.
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
Source: https://coindoo.com/violent-crypto-crimes-surge-in-2025-amid-massive-data-leaks/