Oliver von Landsberg-Sadie, head of UK AI venture builder Greater Things, was the victim of a home invasion that he said targeted his crypto assets.
The rise of “wrench attacks”
The robbery reflects a rise in cases where criminals use threats of violence to force victims to hand over crypto assets, sometimes referred to as “wrench attacks.”
According to CertiK, the use of physical coercion to extract crypto assets rose in 2025, as “wrench attacks” became more frequent and organized.
There were 72 verified cases worldwide last year, a 75% increase from 2024, with losses topping $40.9 million. Kidnapping was the primary method, while physical assaults also increased.
Europe was the hardest-hit region, accounting for over 40% of incidents, with France leading globally. Some founders and investors have stepped up personal security and privacy measures.
How attackers find their targets
Criminal organizations increasingly use open-source intelligence to build dossiers on potential victims: social media profiles, corporate filings, conference attendance records, and blockchain transaction data.
A LinkedIn post, a keynote speech, or a podcast appearance can give attackers enough information to estimate someone’s net worth and locate them physically.
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