Spanish police have arrested five individuals, while Danish authorities have charged four others, in connection with a violent kidnapping and murder case where the victims were targeted for their cryptocurrency holdings. The coordinated cross-border operation highlights a growing trend of physical attacks, known as "wrench attacks," aimed at coercing access to digital wallets.
The incident began in April in the southern Spanish town of Mijas, near Málaga. A couple was ambushed by three or four masked men dressed in black and armed with handguns. The male victim was shot in the leg while attempting to flee. Both were forced into a vehicle and taken to a house, where they were held captive for several hours. During this time, the attackers attempted to gain access to the couple's cryptocurrency wallets.
The woman was released around midnight, but her partner did not survive. His body was later discovered in a wooded area, showing signs of violence beyond the initial gunshot wound. The case was classified as a kidnapping resulting in homicide linked to crypto theft.
As part of the investigation, Spanish police conducted six raids on properties in Madrid and Málaga, seizing two handguns (one real, one imitation), an extendable baton, blood-stained clothing, mobile phones, and documents linked to the crime. Biological evidence connected to the scene was also recovered.
In Denmark, four suspects were charged. Notably, two of them were already serving prison sentences for similar offenses, pointing to a network of repeat offenders. Authorities from both countries emphasized that international coordination was decisive in dismantling the organized criminal group operating across European borders.
This case underscores a significant security concern within the crypto industry. According to a report from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, violent "wrench attacks" are on track to reach record levels in 2025, with 35 such incidents recorded globally by July. The firm notes a shift in crypto-related crime from online exploits to real-world violence.
More than $2.17 billion has been stolen from crypto services so far this year, already exceeding the 2024 total. Nearly a quarter of these losses now stem from personal wallet attacks. Bitcoin holders are facing higher average losses as criminals focus on large-value wallets, particularly in regions with growing retail adoption like the Asia-Pacific.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for better personal security practices among crypto holders, including the use of multi-signature wallets and strict access separation. It is also accelerating policy and enforcement responses across Europe, with law enforcement agencies increasing their training on digital asset crimes.
