Why wrench attacks have become a leading source of violent crypto-related crime

In January 2025, French authorities released Ledger co-founder David Balland after kidnappers allegedly demanded a significant cryptocurrency ransom, highlighting how digital assets can fuel coercive, real-world crimes. Wrench attacks, where criminals use threats or violence to force victims to unlock wallets or authorize transfers, appear to be rising alongside total crypto market capitalization and the growth of visible on-chain wealth. Public-facing founders, influencers and OTC or P2P traders in regions such as Western Europe and parts of Asia-Pacific are described as especially exposed, prompting calls to reduce personal visibility, limit instantly accessible balances and treat data leaks and support impersonation as part of the same threat landscape.