Wealthy California Crypto Holders Targeted in Violent “Wrench Attacks”

A disturbing pattern of violent home invasions targeting cryptocurrency holders has emerged across California, with incidents reported in both Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Authorities say these crimes—referred to as “wrench attacks”—involve suspects using physical force and intimidation to gain access to victims’ digital assets.

One of the most severe cases occurred on November 22 in San Francisco’s Mission Dolores neighborhood. A man was robbed of approximately $13 million in cryptocurrency after suspects posed as delivery drivers to gain entry into his home. Expecting a package, the victim answered the door to a man carrying a white box. He was immediately overpowered, forced inside, bound with duct tape, and assaulted with a firearm.

For nearly an hour, the attackers demanded passwords while coordinating with an accomplice over the phone. The suspects ultimately transferred $10 million in Bitcoin and $3 million in Ethereum before fleeing.

Investigators say the nature of cryptocurrency—particularly its decentralized structure and irreversible transactions—makes high-value holders attractive targets for these types of crimes.

In the weeks following the San Francisco attack, similar incidents and attempted robberies were reported in San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Los Angeles. Authorities believe many of these cases are connected.

In San Jose, a man was confronted in his driveway by an armed suspect who forced him into his garage. The victim was struck on the head with a firearm but managed to avoid further harm by pretending to be seriously injured. The suspects fled after being startled by a passing delivery vehicle.

The victim also reported suspicious activity in the days leading up to the attack, including unsolicited food deliveries and strangers offering free services at his home—potential reconnaissance efforts.

A comparable incident occurred in Sunnyvale, where a suspect posing as a delivery driver forced entry into a home at gunpoint. The victim resisted, and the suspect fled but was later apprehended. Authorities identified him as a 21-year-old from Tennessee.

Eight days later, another individual attempted the same delivery-based ruse at the same residence.

On New Year’s Eve, a similar attack unfolded in Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood. A suspect posing as a delivery driver asked a homeowner for water and then forced his way inside at gunpoint. The victim was restrained with duct tape and zip ties as additional suspects became involved.

Under threats of severe violence, the victim provided access to his computer, allowing the suspects to view his cryptocurrency holdings. During the incident, a witness hiding inside the home managed to escape and contact authorities.

The suspects attempted to flee after noticing police presence in the area but were later arrested following a pursuit.

Law enforcement has since charged multiple individuals in connection with these crimes, including offenses such as robbery, burglary, assault with a firearm, and attempted extortion. Despite these arrests, investigators believe the individuals involved may be part of a larger, more organized network coordinating the attacks.

Authorities suspect that, in some cases, perpetrators gained access to victims’ personal information by compromising food delivery service accounts, allowing them to obtain home addresses and potentially monitor activity.

While several suspects tied to the in-person attacks are now in custody, the broader scope of the operation remains under investigation, with federal agencies involved in ongoing efforts to identify additional participants.

Source: KTLA