Alena Vranova, founder of SatoshiLabs, reported that Bitcoin kidnappings and related crypto crimes are occurring at least once a week worldwide.
Speaking at the Baltic Honeybadger 2025 conference in Riga, Latvia, she said:
“Every week, there is a Bitcoiner, at least one in the world, who gets kidnapped, tortured, extorted, and sometimes even worse.”
Vranova noted that Bitcoin investors with small holdings are also being targeted. She cited examples where criminals acted for as little as $6,000 worth of cryptocurrency and cases where people were killed for $50,000 in crypto.
The statement comes as Bitcoin trades at $121,730, with 2025 data indicating an increase in crypto kidnappings and Bitcoin crime cases.
Wrench Attacks Against Bitcoin Investors on Track to Double
Vranova warned about the rising number of wrench attacks — physical assaults aimed at forcing Bitcoin investors or crypto holders to reveal their private keys.
Data indicates that crypto crime in 2025 could double the highest level recorded in previous years.
The surge affects both high-profile industry figures and everyday Bitcoin investors. Records show that wrench attacks often rise when Bitcoin prices increase.
Reports also indicate that these attacks are not limited to large-scale holdings. Many Bitcoin kidnappings involve smaller amounts, showing that crypto crime targets a broad range of victims.
Data Breaches Fuel Crypto Kidnappings
Vranova linked the rise in Bitcoin crime to data leaks from centralized exchanges and service providers.
Know-your-customer (KYC) rules require such platforms to collect sensitive personal information, which criminals can later use.
“We currently have more than 80 million Bitcoiner and crypto user identities leaked online; 2.2 million out of those contain home addresses,” Vranova said.
This data makes it easier for criminals to locate Bitcoin investors and plan crypto kidnappings.
Stolen addresses and personal details can be used alongside other leaked information to conduct targeted wrench attacks.
Recent Data Breaches Add to Bitcoin Crime Risks
In May 2025, Coinbase disclosed a breach that exposed details of a subset of customers, including home addresses and identifying information.
In June 2025, a Cybernews investigation found databases containing over 16 billion leaked login credentials from platforms such as Apple, Facebook, and Google.
These leaks increase the risk of phishing, social engineering, and identity theft. For Bitcoin investors, this heightens the likelihood of targeted crypto crime.
Bitcoin Price Trends Linked to Crypto Kidnappings
Data from Glok.ME shows a correlation between Bitcoin prices and wrench attacks. Higher market prices often coincide with spikes in crypto kidnappings and physical assaults on Bitcoin investors.
This pattern matches 2025 reports that show more Bitcoin crime during bull market conditions.
The rise in prices appears to create more opportunities for criminals targeting holders.
Editor at Kriptoworld
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Tatevik Avetisyan is an editor at Kriptoworld who covers emerging crypto trends, blockchain innovation, and altcoin developments. She is passionate about breaking down complex stories for a global audience and making digital finance more accessible.
📅 Published: August 4, 2025 • 🔄 Last updated: August 4, 2025
