Crypto Executives Face Rising Threat of Violent ‘Wrench Attacks’ Amid Data Breaches

Data Breaches Lead to Real-World Violence

In recent months, a disturbing trend has emerged in the cryptocurrency industry: high-profile executives are becoming targets of violent “wrench attacks.” These assaults, named after the hypothetical threat of being forced to divulge private keys under duress, have escalated from theory to reality.

Notably, in France, the daughter of Paymium’s CEO narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt. In another harrowing incident, Ledger co-founder David Balland was taken hostage, resulting in the severing of one of his fingers during a ransom demand. These attacks are not isolated; they reflect a growing pattern of physical threats linked to the crypto sector.

Doxxing and Data Leaks Fueling the Fire

The rise in such attacks correlates with recent large-scale data breaches affecting major crypto firms like Ledger, Kroll, and Coinbase. These breaches have exposed personal information of executives and high-net-worth individuals, making them vulnerable to targeted assaults. Criminals are leveraging leaked databases and public records to locate and exploit these individuals.

Social media influencers and prominent figures in the crypto space, who often share personal details online, are particularly at risk. The combination of doxxing and the public display of wealth creates a perilous environment for these individuals.

Calls for Enhanced Security Measures

In response to these threats, France’s Interior Minister has convened meetings with crypto industry leaders to discuss enhanced security protocols. Executives are advocating for reduced public disclosure obligations to protect personal information. There is a growing consensus that the industry must prioritize physical security alongside digital safeguards.

Prosecutors suspect that organized crime networks, sometimes operating with assistance from incarcerated masterminds, are orchestrating these attacks. While some ransom payments have been partially recovered—such as in Balland’s case through freezeable tether tokens—the incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive security measures.