Wrench attacks on Bitcoin holders are rising, with weekly kidnappings reported, putting even small investors at growing risk.
Wrench attacks are becoming a major issue for Bitcoin holders worldwide. According to a warning from Alena Vranova, founder of SatoshiLabs at the Baltic Honeybadger conference, at least one Bitcoiner is kidnapped or assaulted every week.
These attacks involve criminals using physical force, threats or coercion to obtain a victim’s private keys. Unlike online hacks, wrench attacks target people directly, mostly at their homes.
Vranova stressed that these crimes are not limited to wealthy investors, and anyone can become a victim for as little as $6,000.
Why Even Small Bitcoin Investors Are Targeted
Many believe that only wealthy Bitcoin holders or early adopters are at risk. However, Vranova explained that this is no longer true.
⚠️ “Every week, there is a Bitcoiner… who gets kidnapped, tortured, extorted, and sometimes even worse,” warns #SatoshiLabs founder Alena Vranova on rising wrench attacks! pic.twitter.com/wLHV2PBSc0
— Coinpaper (@coinpapercom) August 11, 2025
The rise in Bitcoin’s value has made even small amounts attractive to criminals. Attackers tend to focus on easier targets and assume that smaller holders may have weaker security.
Some kidnappings are opportunistic. However, others are highly planned. Criminals can use leaked personal data to track victims’ addresses, routines and even their family members.
Data Leaks Are Fueling Wrench Attacks
One of the biggest risk factors for wrench attacks is the increasing number of centralised exchange data leaks. Many exchanges are required to collect personal details through the Know Your Customer (KYC) rules.
However, when these databases are hacked or exposed, criminals gain access to sensitive information. This includes full names, phone numbers and even home addresses.
Vranova revealed that more than 80 million crypto user identities have been leaked online. Out of these, 2.2 million records include home addresses. Such data makes it easier for criminals to locate and target victims.
Bitcoin Price Surges Increase the Risk
The frequency of wrench attacks tends to rise during Bitcoin bull markets. When prices climb, criminals expect that holders have gained more wealth and are therefore ripe for attack.
⚠️ WARNING: Sensitive Content—OF Streamer "Amouranth" Wrench Attack Caught on Video
🚨 More and more attacks are being made on crypto holders.
Reminder to stay safe and keep your crypto holdings to yourself! Winning silently is still winning. pic.twitter.com/0GXJ55NWdQ
— CryptosRus (@CryptosR_Us) August 11, 2025
This correlation means that during periods when crypto spikes, even more small investors may find themselves on the radar of attackers.
For example, this year alone, the number of physical attacks on Bitcoin holders is on track to double the previous worst year. This spike coincides with Bitcoin trading near record highs and might get worse as the asset increases in price.
Recent CEX Data Leaks
In May, for example, Coinbase confirmed a hack that affected a small subset of its customers. The stolen data included addresses and other identifying details.
A month later, Cybernews reported a massive leak of more than 16 billion login credentials from major tech platforms like Apple, Facebook and Google and many of these accounts are linked to cryptocurrency activity.
Such leaks tend to create a chain reaction. Once hackers have personal data, it can be sold to criminal groups who then track victims down and rob them.
So far, Industry leaders are asking both investors and platforms to take security measures more seriously. In all, while Bitcoin offers financial freedom, it also demands that its holders take on a higher level of responsibility in terms of security.
