Spanish and Danish Police Break Up Cross‑Border ‘Wrench Attack’ Network Targeting Crypto Holder

Spanish police arrested five suspects and Danish authorities charged four more in a cross‑border criminal network that abducted a couple in Málaga in April to force access to their cryptocurrency wallets. Masked assailants shot the man while he tried to flee; he was later found dead with signs of violent assault. Investigators say attackers used physical coercion to obtain wallet credentials — so‑called “wrench attacks.” Spanish raids in Madrid and Málaga seized a real handgun, an imitation weapon, an extendable baton, balaclavas, blood‑stained clothing, mobile phones, documents and digital evidence. Danish charges include two suspects already serving sentences for similar offences. Prosecutors and police credited international cooperation, notably between Spain and Denmark, with dismantling an organised group targeting high‑value crypto holders. Chainalysis data cited in reporting show an increase in wrench attacks in 2025 (35 recorded by July) and that personal‑wallet assaults accounted for nearly a quarter of crypto losses this year. The case underlines growing physical threats to private key security and reinforces calls for traders and investors to adopt stronger custody and personal security measures — such as multisignature wallets, separation of access, hardware wallets and increased situational awareness.