- California crypto holders targeted in violent wrench attacks using delivery driver disguises.
- Criminals exploit irreversible crypto transactions to steal funds after forcing victims.
- Incidents reported across San Francisco, Sunnyvale, San Jose, and Los Angeles.
Crypto holders in California are facing a surge in violent “wrench attacks,” where criminals use physical force to steal digital assets. Attackers are posing as delivery drivers, targeting individuals believed to hold large crypto balances.
Investigators say the incidents highlight growing real-world risks tied to crypto ownership and irreversible transactions.
How Criminals Exploit Delivery Services
In San Francisco, a victim reportedly lost $13 million in Bitcoin and Ethereum after attackers posed as pizza delivery drivers. The suspects restrained him and demanded wallet access.
Similar incidents followed in Sunnyvale, San Jose, and Los Angeles. Investigators believe criminals may be using food delivery platforms to confirm addresses and identify targets.
In one San Jose case, an armed attacker forced a victim into his garage. The suspect fled after a delivery van approached. Days earlier, the victim had received unsolicited pizza deliveries.
Organized Attacks Raise Security Concerns
In Sunnyvale, residents faced similar attacks involving fake DoorDash coffee deliveries. One suspect, 21-year-old Nino Chindavanh from Tennessee, was caught driving a black Kia. Another person tried the same trick at the same home just days later.
In Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood, a New Year’s Eve attack involved a man posing as a delivery driver who asked for water before restraining the victim. A second suspect joined, while a third coordinated the crime remotely.
The attackers threatened to cut off the victim’s fingers to gain access to his cryptocurrency. Authorities later arrested Elijah Armstrong and Jayden Rucker, both from Tennessee.
Investigators believe higher-level organizers may be involved and continue to probe the network behind these attacks.
Growing Global Concerns
A 2025 CertiK report shows that wrench attacks are now a global problem. Europe accounted for over 40% of all incidents, with France alone reporting more cases than the United States. Financial losses topped $40.9 million, a 44% increase from 2024.
Beyond money, these attacks take a psychological toll, pushing crypto owners to hide their identities and even move to new locations.
As physical attacks mix with digital risks, personal safety has become as important as cybersecurity. Strong key management and multisignature wallets are essential to protect assets. Crypto holders now face a reality where threats to their wealth are not just online—they can come to their doorstep.
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