Crypto Crime Wave: Physical Attacks on Bitcoin Owners Surge 169% in Under Half a Year

Calvin James

Over the past six months, reported physical attacks targeting Bitcoin and crypto holders have spiked by 169%, according to records maintained by Jameson Lopp, cofounder and Chief Security Officer at CASA. The data reveals a troubling pattern directly tied to rising cryptocurrency prices. As Bitcoin gains more financial value, physical threats to its holders are increasing rapidly in both number and severity.

A more detailed report by Forbes reveals that between January and mid-September 2025, 48 physical incidents were recorded globally. This represents a 33% increase compared to all of 2024. In total, 35 of those incidents occurred after a previous analysis was released in late February this year. The upward trend continues to raise concerns about investor safety, especially as digital assets like Bitcoin gain mainstream recognition and higher market value.

Crypto-Related Violence Spikes With Rising Bitcoin Prices

Bitcoin’s price recovery and subsequent bull run have been mirrored by a wave of violent attacks. These crimes target not just individual holders, but also traders, executives, and industry participants. The data collected by Lopp shows a growing risk as criminals exploit the irreversible nature of digital assets.

In 2025 alone, France recorded 14 separate incidents involving physical assaults against crypto investors. These cases range from home invasions to kidnapping attempts, often involving coercion to transfer funds to attackers. This level of activity makes France one of the most affected countries during this period. One of the most recent attacks took place on September 6, 2025, in Cambridge, Ontario. Waterloo Regional Police reported that a young man was abducted at the intersection of Saginaw Parkway and Townline Road. The victim was forced into a dark-colored van by five unidentified suspects.

According to police, the attackers brandished a firearm, compelling the victim to transfer a large sum into a cryptocurrency wallet. After complying, the individual was released and later treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a hospital. Officer Chris Iden reported that four Black males wearing dark clothing and masks were seen during the incident. He also called for public assistance in identifying the van used in the kidnapping.

Crypto Security Expert Addresses Changing Risk Environment

Jameson Lopp, who tracks these incidents through a publicly accessible archive, shared insights into the shifting threat landscape for digital asset holders. He explained that increased asset value has made Bitcoin a more attractive target for criminals, especially those using physical force to bypass technical security measures.

Lopp stated that while Bitcoin has become more secure over time, this security does not protect users from physical coercion. He emphasized that any investor holding digital assets should stay updated on evolving threats and build a personal security plan accordingly.

According to Lopp, the sharp rise in Bitcoin-related attacks reflects the asset’s increased value. Criminals now view Bitcoin not just as digital money, but as a valuable target that can be forcibly taken. As prices increase, the incentive for physical crime also rises, particularly in regions where local enforcement lags behind the evolving nature of financial crimes.

He added that one of the biggest risks for any new investor is entering the space without proper education on key management and personal safety. The lack of preparation leaves users vulnerable to both digital and physical threats.

Practical Safety Steps for Crypto Holders

In light of these attacks, various steps can reduce the likelihood of becoming a target. One important recommendation is to avoid publicizing crypto ownership. Individuals should avoid being labeled as “the Bitcoin person” in their communities or online. In past years, some investors actively promoted Bitcoin on social media or among friends and family.

However, with Bitcoin now far more valuable than in early adoption years, that behavior can increase personal risk. Even accidental mentions can attract the attention of bad actors.

Online behavior remains one of the most common vectors leading to targeted attacks. Public figures, such as content creator Amouranth, have been victims of violent invasions. In her case, attackers demanded cryptocurrency during a home invasion in Houston in March 2025.

This illustrates how public visibility of Bitcoin holdings can lead to real-world consequences. Avoiding posts, videos, or mentions of crypto ownership, especially amounts held, significantly reduces risk. For those who self-custody Bitcoin, strengthening wallet security is crucial. This includes protecting seed phrases, using passphrases, and storing backup data securely in separate locations.

Security experts recommend treating current assets as though they could become ten times more valuable in the future. Increased asset value justifies the extra effort and vigilance. Keeping wallet information away from both online platforms and physical access points limits the potential for theft under coercion or threat.

Multisig Wallets Offer Layered Protection

Advanced users may opt for multisignature (multisig) wallets. These require multiple devices or approvals from separate locations to authorize transactions. This setup adds another layer of difficulty for criminals attempting to access funds even with physical access to one part of the setup.

Geographical separation of signing devices makes immediate theft under duress much harder. Multisig solutions are particularly useful for individuals or businesses holding large amounts of digital assets. Investors less concerned with direct control can consider exposure to Bitcoin through ETFs or custodial services. These methods offer price exposure without the responsibilities of key management.

However, they come with their own set of risks, such as reliance on the institution’s security. Still, some investors may prefer trading certain risks for the added benefit of institutional security infrastructure. It becomes a trade-off between convenience and the core principle of self-custody that Bitcoin was built on.

Incidents Expected to Increase Alongside Bitcoin Adoption

As Bitcoin continues to enter the mainstream, and as prices reach new highs, physical attacks are likely to persist. Lopp’s archive documents a clear trend: criminals are adjusting tactics to exploit weak spots in user security, particularly through direct physical coercion.

The only effective defense is awareness, preparation, and application of layered safety measures. Individuals must act as their own security officers when managing assets that can be transferred instantly and irreversibly.

In the first eight and a half months of 2025, physical attacks against Bitcoin and crypto holders have grown at an alarming rate. A 169% increase in incidents since February and a 33% year-over-year rise underline how asset value directly influences criminal interest. Victims are often forced under threat to transfer funds, and cases like the Cambridge kidnapping show how organized these operations can be.

Security experts, including Jameson Lopp, continue to track and report these threats while urging investors to prioritize personal safety. Best practices include avoiding public disclosure of holdings, strengthening custody practices, and considering multisig or institutional options.

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