CertiK’s latest report said 72 confirmed wrench attacks were recorded worldwide in 2025, a 75% increase from the prior year. These attacks target crypto holders directly, using violence or coercion to force victims to hand over private keys rather than breaking into wallets through code.
The report described 2025 as a turning point. Physical violence, once treated as a fringe threat, has moved into the core risk profile for people holding digital assets. CertiK documented a 250% increase in physical assaults, including home invasions, kidnappings, and murder.
Europe’s share climbs above 40%
Europe now accounts for more than 40% of all recorded incidents, up from 22% in 2024. France led the list with 19 reported attacks, more than double the count in the United States. CertiK linked the rise to organized crime groups targeting known crypto holders across France, Spain, and Sweden.
Some attacks began with forced entry into victims’ homes. Others widened the pressure by targeting spouses, children, or elderly parents. The report also highlighted “honey pot” schemes, where attackers built fake romantic relationships before arranging an assault offline.
The “technical paradox” behind the shift
CertiK said stronger digital defenses may be pushing part of the threat into the physical world. As hacking becomes more expensive and difficult, threatening a victim with a weapon can still produce the same result: access to private keys. The report called this the “Technical Paradox,” where security at the system level improves while the human layer remains exposed.
Confirmed losses tied to these cases exceeded $40 million, and the true figure may be higher because many incidents likely go unreported. CertiK warned that personal safety now belongs in the crypto risk equation. Parts of the industry are already responding, with insurance products from firms including Lloyd’s of London adding coverage for wrench attacks.