Bitcoin Wrench Attacks Surge as 2025 Sets New Record Pace

Bitcoin Physical Attacks Hit Record Pace in 2025

Bitcoin holders are facing unprecedented physical security threats in 2025, with “wrench attacks” — crimes involving coercion or violence to steal crypto — increasing at an alarming rate.

According to Chainalysis, there have been 35 confirmed wrench attacks in the first seven months of the year, putting 2025 on track to double the previous worst year on record.

What Is a Wrench Attack?

The term was coined from the idea that an attacker could simply use a wrench (or any weapon) to force someone to reveal their private keys or seed phrases. Unlike online hacks, these crimes involve direct physical intimidation or violence, making them particularly dangerous.

Why Are Wrench Attacks Increasing?

Chainalysis attributes the rise in attacks to several factors, most notably:

• Bitcoin’s Price Surge:

• BTC has set multiple all-time highs in 2025, peaking at $122,000 earlier this week and currently trading near $117,758, according to Nansen data.

• “Price spikes create additional opportunistic attacks against known crypto holders,” said a Chainalysis spokesperson.

• Perceived Anonymity & Liquidity:

• Criminals assume Bitcoin is untraceable and easy to liquidate, even though blockchain analysis proves otherwise.

• Public Visibility of Wealth:

• Influencers and early adopters flaunting wealth online have become prime targets.

• Organized Crime Involvement:

• Chainalysis suggests traditional crime syndicates are increasingly targeting crypto investors.

Historical Context: Worst Year on Record?

The previous record year for wrench attacks was 2021, during the last major bull run, with 36 documented incidents, according to data compiled by Jameson Lopp, Casa co-founder.

If the current trend continues, 2025 could double that figure before year-end.

So far, 2021 has been the worst year on record for wrench attacks, with 36. Source: Jameson Lopp GitHub

Law Enforcement and ETFs Could Curb the Trend

Chainalysis believes that structured investment products like Bitcoin ETFs could reduce risk, as they allow exposure to BTC without self-custody.

Additionally, blockchain transparency helps authorities trace stolen funds, and in cases involving stablecoins, funds can be frozen.

“Hopefully, the combination of traceability and consistent law enforcement action will deter attackers,” said the Chainalysis spokesperson.

True Scale Remains Unknown

Despite the alarming data, the actual number of attacks may be much higher. Victims often fail to report incidents due to fear of retaliation or a belief that recovery is impossible.

“These assumptions can be misplaced,” Chainalysis notes, as multiple recent cases have resulted in arrests and fund recovery.

Key Takeaways

• 35 wrench attacks already reported in 2025, likely to surpass 2021’s record.

• Rising Bitcoin prices and increased visibility of wealth fuel the trend.

• ETFs and law enforcement may help reduce physical crypto crime.

• Underreporting remains a major challenge.

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