Spanish Police Dismantle Network Linked to Crypto Wrench Attack and Murder
Spanish police arrested five suspects in connection with a violent crypto-related attack in Málaga, coordinated with Danish authorities who charged four additional individuals, including two already imprisoned for similar offenses. In April, attackers kidnapped a couple, shot the man in the leg, held them for hours, and tried to access their cryptocurrency wallets. The woman was eventually released, but the man's body was discovered in a nearby wooded area.
During investigations, authorities recovered two handguns (one real and one replica), an expandable baton, a balaclava, blood-stained trousers, and biological evidence matching blood at the hostage site. This case is part of a rising number of "wrench attacks," designed to force access to crypto wallets, which have increased in 2025 alongside Bitcoin's price fluctuations.
Security researchers have documented at least 66 physical crypto-related attacks this year, including abductions, home invasions, and incidents targeting executives and firms in the industry. Experts say these attacks highlight significant risks for cryptocurrency holders and investors. Authorities emphasize their commitment to pursuing and punishing criminals involved in these wrench-style crimes, reflecting growing concern over the safety of digital asset owners.
