**Rise in Physical Crimes Targeting Cryptocurrency Holders**

Criminals are increasingly turning to physical theft and abductions to steal cryptocurrencies from high-value holders, moving beyond the cyber realm into the real world. As more substantial holders of digital currencies transfer their assets to offline "cold wallets," they have become targets for physical assaults, robberies, and kidnappings, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report.

A concerning trend has emerged around the world, with dozens of so-called "wrench attacks" reported in the past year. These attacks involve assailants using simple tools to physically coerce victims into handing over access to their cryptocurrency holdings. France alone has seen at least five such incidents in the last few months.

One notable case that captured public attention happened in March when Twitch streamer Amouranth's Houston home was broken into by three individuals demanding her cryptocurrency. Though the intruders took her laptop, they failed to access her digital assets and were eventually driven away by Amouranth's husband. This attempted robbery was later revealed to be the work of three teenagers.

There are also instances pointing to more organized crime rings. A significant case involved a 24-year-old Florida man, Remy St. Felix, who received a 47-year prison sentence for leading a crime ring responsible for multiple home invasions aimed at cryptocurrency holders. This group managed to steal $3.5 million in digital currency by tying up victims and threatening them at gunpoint to transfer their assets.

Attackers typically identify their prey based on their online presence. Individuals who display their wealth publicly are at higher risk. Moreover, breaches at major cryptocurrency platforms like Coinbase and Ledger have made it easier for criminals to pinpoint targets. A hack into Ledger's marketing database exposed the names, emails, and postal addresses of over 270,000 users, putting them at heightened risk.

Even top executives are not immune. David Balland, CEO of Ledger, became a victim of a harrowing incident where he and his wife were kidnapped and held for nearly two days. The attackers severed one of Balland's fingers, sending gruesome images to Ledger’s executives to force a ransom payment. Following multiple payments, the couple was eventually released. This incident, along with other attacks on cryptocurrency executives in France, led to French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau engaging with the industry to deliberate on enhanced security measures.

The surge in physical crimes against cryptocurrency holders highlights the urgent need for stronger security protocols and personal protection strategies for those involved in the digital currency realm.