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Bitcoin’s surge to record highs in 2025, driven by institutional adoption and US policy shifts, has coincided with a sharp rise in violent attacks targeting crypto holders.
The rally followed renewed political support for digital assets, culminating in **Bitcoin** reaching a peak above $126,000 in October.
As crypto gained mainstream legitimacy through spot ETFs and corporate balance sheet adoption, individual holders became more visible targets.
Criminals have increasingly turned to so-called “wrench attacks”, using physical force to extract private keys rather than exploiting software vulnerabilities.
Analysts say improved liquidity and regulated off-ramps have made stolen bitcoin easier to launder than in earlier market cycles.
Attackers now rely heavily on open-source intelligence, tracking social media posts, luxury purchases and public blockchain data.
France emerged as an early hotspot, with several high-profile kidnappings linked to perceived crypto wealth.
In one case, masked attackers abducted the father of a suspected crypto millionaire and demanded an $8 million ransom in digital assets.
French authorities intervened after days of negotiations, freeing the victim and arresting multiple suspects.
Although enhanced security measures reduced incidents in France, similar attacks soon appeared elsewhere.
A Ugandan case highlighted insider risk after associates were linked to an attempted extortion.
Late 2025 saw a lethal escalation, including murders linked to crypto holdings in the United Arab Emirates.
Security experts warn that rising violence is forcing founders to limit travel, reduce public exposure and skip major industry events.
Specialists now urge crypto holders to minimise online disclosures, adopt multi-signature custody and use duress-enabled hardware wallets.
Analysts say the trend marks a shift from cybercrime to physical coercion as bitcoin becomes a globally recognised store of value.
At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $89,682.21.