Violent Crypto Holder Attacks Escalate Globally as Data Shows Rising Severity

Physical attacks against cryptocurrency holders are increasing in both frequency and brutality, according to a new analysis of global incident data. Security researcher Jameson Lopp's database reveals a troubling trend: wrench attacks—robberies or kidnappings designed to force victims to surrender crypto assets—are becoming more common and more violent.

Dragonfly partner Haseeb Qureshi, who analyzed the dataset, found 51% of 269 cataloged incidents were classified as 'Serious,' with 21% deemed 'Severe' and 5% 'Fatal.' The remaining cases split between 'Moderate' (14%) and 'Minor' (9%). The data visualization shows later years skewing toward more severe outcomes, with 2025 marking the peak for reported incidents.

Qureshi's dashboard confirms what many in crypto circles have suspected: simply holding digital assets is growing riskier. 'You’re not imagining it,' he wrote on X. 'The attacks are getting more violent.' While price volatility often dominates crypto risk discussions, this analysis quantifies a darker dimension of asset ownership—physical security threats escalating alongside market activity.