Physical coercion incidents — hardware wallet (2025)

Constrained

Case description

CertiK's 2025 Wrench Attack Report documented 72 verified physical coercion incidents targeting cryptocurrency holders worldwide—a 75% increase over the 41 incidents documented in 2024. Kidnapping accounted for 25 incidents (up 66% from 15 in 2024); physical assaults rose 250% from 4 to 14. Total confirmed losses exceeded $40.9 million, a 44% increase from 2024's $28.3 million. Europe accounted for over 40% of global incidents, with France alone recording 19 cases—more than any other country. Jameson Lopp's open database of documented attacks counted approximately 65–70 cases, with both sources noting that under-reporting meant true incident counts were likely substantially higher.

Custody context

Stress condition	Physical coercion
Custody system	Hardware wallet (single key)
Outcome	Constrained
Documentation	Unknown
Year observed	2025
Country	International

Structural dependencies observed

Biometric or physical presence

What this illustrates

Physical presence and control of the holder was what the attacker needed — and got. Whether full access was ultimately possible is unclear, but significant delay or outside intervention was involved.

Outcome interpretation

Access remained possible, but only with delay, dependence, or significant difficulty.

Source

Publicly Reported

Evidence type

News article

Evidence link

https://beincrypto.com/wrench-attacks-crypto-holders-2025/

Related cases involving physical coercion

101 cases involve physical coercion 274 cases involve hardware wallet (single key) View archive statistics →

This archive documents observed custody survivability failures. It does not attempt to document all Bitcoin losses or security incidents. Submit a case

← All cases

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.