As the price of Bitcoin reaches all-time highs, a dark truth is coming to light: criminals are now focussing on people who own cryptocurrency. Notable crimes in 2025 include the attack on Ledger CEO David Balland and 11 other crimes, these numbers show a troubling trend. Security expert Jameson Lopp has recorded more than 200 physical attacks on Bitcoin and crypto buyers since 2014. He says there is a clear link between the rise in thefts and Bitcoin’s rising value.
Criminal Hotspots
Many recent crimes show that criminals are focussing on areas where people use crypto a lot. Most of the strikes in 2025 have been in Thailand, Korea, and France. In the most shocking case, on February 25, police in Korea arrested four people for killing a Chinese man who had come to the country to buy cryptocurrency. As more people learn about how valuable Bitcoin really is, criminals are also learning how to take advantage of people who hold it.
Risks for Crypto Holders
Bitcoin is not like regular bank accounts because it is a decentralized and digital asset. This makes it appealing to criminals who want to get money quickly. Lopp says, “law enforcement is not in the business of protecting individuals from attacks – they only step in after an incident occurs.” To avoid becoming a victim crypto owners must take steps to protect their investments. In many attacks, called “wrench attacks,” criminals physically threaten people to move money quickly.
Protection against Physical Crypto Attacks
Experts say that multi-signature wallets, multi-party computers, and time locks that stop immediate access to funds are all good ways to lower risks. Lopp also suggests making habits that protect your privacy:
- When talking about crypto investments online, stay private.
- Do not talk about your assets with other people in person or a social setting.
- When you use crypto-related services, never give out your real name and address.
- Do not make deals worth a lot of money in person.
Conclusion
As Bitcoin’s price rises past $100,000, physical threats to people who own it are likely to increase. With more than 20 attacks reported every year since 2021, crypto buyers need to put security first and take steps to protect themselves.
