Police in Spain and France have arrested seven individuals linked to a series of violent crypto-related attacks, known as "wrench attacks." Unlike traditional cyber intrusions, these crimes involve physical coercion to obtain access to digital assets.
In 2026, such incidents have surged, particularly in France, which accounted for 11 of the 14 major global cases. In Madrid, a Canadian crypto entrepreneur was kidnapped and forced to surrender his Bitcoin keys. In France, authorities dismantled a group connected to the abduction of a crypto influencer’s father. Similar cases in Istanbul and Vienna ended fatally, with victims killed during the assaults.
Experts advise extreme caution: maintaining strict privacy on social media, diversifying asset storage, and enhancing personal security measures are considered essential strategies to protect against these emerging threats.