Bitcoin Physical Attacks Could Rise in 2025 Amid Soaring Prices and Increased Criminal Activity

Key Points

1. Bitcoin's peak value exceeding $122,000 in 2025 has incentivized criminals to engage in 'wrench attacks,' where physical theft is used to obtain cryptocurrencies.

2. Organized crime groups are exploiting the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, targeting individuals through social media or public transaction data.

3. The rise of Bitcoin ETFs and ETPs, along with enhanced law enforcement efforts, may help mitigate the frequency of these attacks.

4. Underreporting of wrench attacks masks their true scale, with existing datasets likely underestimating the prevalence of such incidents.

5. Increased awareness and emerging financial products like ETFs could help address the risks faced by crypto holders amid escalating market values.