In Val-d’Oise, France, a crypto entrepreneur’s father was kidnapped, adding to the 225+ physical attacks on digital asset holders. Attacks increased by 169% in 2025, sparking an arms race in wallet design to combat face-to-face theft. Wrench attacks rise during bull markets, leading to a correlation with Bitcoin’s price chart.

Home invasions and kidnappings are common, with most attacks successful. As physical coercion rises, Bitcoiners reconsider self-custody, risking centralization. Every safeguard narrows anonymity, widening the attack surface. The most effective defense is social discretion: avoid discussing Bitcoin with real names or faces. Cultural norms may be key to scaling defenses against wrench attacks.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Can Panic Wallets Safeguard Holders Against Wrench Attacks?