UK crypto trader says almost $800,000 lost in knife attack as wrench attacks proliferate
A UK-based cryptocurrency trader reported losing nearly $800,000 in digital assets after being held at knifepoint by intruders. The incident highlights the growing trend of 'wrench attacks,' where physical violence is used to bypass digital security measures like hardware wallets.
Why it matters
It underscores the physical security risks inherent in self-custody of high-value digital assets, challenging the assumption that encryption alone provides total protection.
由 AI 翻译 2 分钟阅读 Make preferred on 分享 分享这篇文章 复制链接 X icon X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook 电子邮件 Make preferred on Self-custody and hardware wallets alone are no protection against so-called wrench attacks. (Bits And Splits/Shutterstock) 摘要 显示 A cryptocurrency trader in the U.K. said armed intruders held him at knifepoint and forced him to transfer about $760,000 in digital assets, though police have not confirmed the account. Such robberies, known as “wrench attacks,” use violence or threats to force cryptocurrency holders to surrender their assets, bypassing digital security measures. Chainalysis estimated that criminals stole more than $30 million through violent attacks in the first half of 2026, with home invasions accounting for 37% of recorded cases. A cryptocurrency trader in the U.K.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in