Why wrench attacks are becoming one of the most violent forms of crypto crimes
Rising crypto wealth is increasing the stakes of physical coercion. “Wrench attacks” show how digital assets can become real-world targets.
In January 2025, French authorities freed Ledger co-founder David Balland after kidnappers demanded a large ransom in cryptocurrency. The case illustrated what crypto crime can look like when it leaves the screen and becomes a physical hostage situation.
In fact, crypto-related disputes and theft are increasingly linked to real-world violence, including abduction attempts and ransom schemes designed to force victims to hand over access.
That is the logic of a wrench attack. Instead of hacking a wallet, criminals use threats or force to make the holder unlock it or send the funds themselves.