Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Holder Kidnappings Rise as Data Leaks Fuel Wrench Attacks

At least one Bitcoin holder is reportedly being kidnapped each week, according to Alena Vranova, founder of SatoshiLabs, who highlighted the alarming rise in “wrench attacks” targeting cryptocurrency investors [1]. Speaking at the Baltic Honeybadger 2025 conference in Riga, Latvia, Vranova warned that physical assaults and abductions are increasingly being used to extract private keys from crypto holders, emphasizing that even small investors are not immune [1]. She cited cases where individuals were kidnapped for as little as $6,000 in crypto, with others murdered for amounts as high as $50,000 [1].

Vranova noted that the threat is not limited to high-profile Bitcoin OGs but extends to everyday investors. The rise in wrench attacks in 2025 is on track to surpass previous records, prompting calls for stronger personal safety measures within the industry [1]. She also pointed to the role of data leaks from centralized platforms in facilitating these attacks. More than 80 million crypto user identities, including 2.2 million with home addresses, have been exposed online [1]. This data enables criminals to identify and target vulnerable individuals.

The correlation between Bitcoin prices and the frequency of such attacks is a key concern. During bull markets, when investor activity and wealth increase, so too does the likelihood of violent crimes against crypto holders [1]. This trend was underscored by the recent data breach at Coinbase, which exposed customer home addresses and other sensitive information [1]. Similarly, a report from Cybernews revealed databases containing over 16 billion leaked login credentials, further amplifying the threat of phishing, identity theft, and other cyber-enabled crimes [1].

Vranova’s remarks highlight the urgent need for improved privacy and security measures in the crypto space. While decentralized systems are designed to eliminate trust in third parties, the reality is that centralized custodians often collect extensive user data under KYC regulations. This creates a paradox where the very tools meant to protect investors also make them more vulnerable [1].

The situation has prompted some investors to return to centralized custodians for perceived safety, even as it undermines the core principles of decentralization. The balance between security and privacy remains a contentious issue, particularly as the industry continues to expand and attract both institutional interest and criminal attention [1].

Source:

[1] CoinMarketCap - At least 1 Bitcoiner gets kidnapped every week — Crypto exec https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689919ded2aecc707a2ad96b/