Part of the CustodyStress archive of observed Bitcoin custody incidents
CS-01121
Physical coercion — hardware wallet (2023)
IndeterminateCase description
Jameson Lopp's physical bitcoin attacks database recorded 18 physical attacks against Bitcoin and cryptocurrency holders in 2023 globally, including home invasions, street robberies, kidnappings, and coerced transfers. The count represented a meaningful increase from prior years and included incidents across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. As Bitcoin's price recovered from the 2022 bear market lows, the financial incentive for physical attacks increased proportionately.
Custody context
| Stress condition | Physical coercion |
| Custody system | Hardware wallet (single key) |
| Outcome | Indeterminate |
| Documentation | Unknown |
| Year observed | 2023 |
| Country | International |
Structural dependencies observed
What this illustrates
Access required in-person verification that couldn't be arranged under the circumstances. It's not clear whether anyone ever regained access.
Outcome interpretation
Not enough information is available to determine the outcome.
Source
Publicly Reported
Evidence type
News article
Related cases involving physical coercion
105 cases involve physical coercion
274 cases involve hardware wallet (single key)
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This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents.
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Framework references
Where Bitcoin Custody Intersects Legal and Fiduciary Authority
Where custody creates gaps in estate planning, fiduciary duty, and professional responsibility.
Professional Scope Boundary Matrix
What each professional or product covers, what they do not, and where gaps form between them.
The Independent Assessment Layer in Bitcoin Custody
How independent diagnostic layers emerge when multiple parties depend on shared infrastructure.
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