CertiK: 2025 "Wrench Attacks" (physical coercion for keys) up 75% to 72, losses top $40.9M

According to CertiK, Europe saw over 40% of incidents in 2025, with France leading a 250% surge in violent crypto crimes, including kidnappings in multiple countries.

Summary

CertiK confirmed 72 "wrench attack" incidents in 2025, marking a 75% increase from 2024. These physical coercion crimes caused over $40.9 million in losses, up 44%, with Europe accounting for more than 40% of cases and France leading the count. Violent assaults on crypto holders increased 250%, including kidnappings in France, Austria, and the UAE. CertiK noted likely underreporting due to unreported incidents and confidential settlements, underscoring rising physical security risks in digital asset ownership.

Terms & Concepts
  • Wrench attack: A crime where attackers use physical threats or violence to coerce someone into handing over their crypto access, such as private keys.
  • Private key: A secret cryptographic code that proves ownership and authorizes transactions from a crypto wallet; anyone with it can move funds.