Violence against investors reached a structural turning point in 2025, according to the latest report from the blockchain security firm CertiK. So-called physical attacks on crypto holders, technically known as “wrench attacks,” soared by 75% year-on-year, solidifying 72 verified incidents that resulted in financial losses exceeding 40.9 million dollars globally.
The cybersecurity firm, led by co-founder Ronghui Gu, warns that physical coercion is no longer an edge case but an intrinsic risk of digital asset ownership. During the last year, the most common methods included violent kidnappings and home invasions, recording an alarming 250% increase in direct assaults against owners within their residences.
This phenomenon has undergone a notable geographical shift, moving the focus of danger from Asia and North America toward the European continent. Currently, Europe accounts for 40% of global incidents, far exceeding the 22% rate recorded in previous periods, which evidences the proliferation of criminal groups specialized in targeting high-net-worth investors.
Why has France become the epicenter of this crisis?
France has emerged as the most vulnerable region by recording 19 attacks, a figure that surpasses the incidents reported in the United States. This surge in criminality is attributed to the activity of organized gangs using state databases to identify victims, taking advantage of vulnerabilities in the privacy of citizens’ tax records.
Furthermore, cybercrime consultants suggest that the current figures represent only the tip of the iceberg, as the underreporting of these crimes is a constant trend due to fear of retaliation. Therefore, the disproportionate exposure of French residents to robbery involving torture and extortion underscores the urgent need to strengthen personal security protocols for those managing large asset portfolios.
Ultimately, the report highlights that May 2025 was the most violent period, coinciding with rallies in the prices of major digital assets. It is expected that, given this landscape, the international community will adopt cold storage and anonymity measures to mitigate the visibility of their wealth, thus avoiding becoming targets for criminal groups operating with unprecedented levels of violence.
