Türkiye’de Kripto Operasyonlarına Karşı Artan Fiziksel Suç Trendi: Gebze’den Küresel Bir Bakış

One evening, a cash theft event worth approximately USD 85,800 occurred at a pharmacy parking lot, marking the latest example of the global surge in physical attacks targeting digital asset owners. According to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, the incident began when a 52-year-old resident of Arouca, who had been trading crypto for about 2 years, exchanged money with someone in a pharmacy parking lot on Trincity Central Road.

While the transaction was taking place, a 33-year-old from Belmont entered the vehicle and continued with the same tactic as in previous transactions. The individual handed over a hidden bag containing cash; shortly after, two assailants broke the door and entered, stole cash and phones related to the store, then fled the scene. Afterward, the victim reported to the police; it has not yet been disclosed whether the long-standing trading partner was also targeted.

This incident coincided with two other car thefts at shopping centers in the area over the same weekend, increasing regional concerns over rising thefts. A woman reported losing a Nissan B14 parked at Trincity Mall, while another woman lost her Suzuki Vitara. As investigations continue, security analysts categorize the incident as part of the growing class of physical attacks associated with digital assets. Such cases are referred to as “wrench attacks,” targeting crypto asset owners for extortion, coercion, or theft of wallet credentials.

Jameson Lopp, one of the founders of Casa Security, states that they recorded over 60 physical attacks this year and notes a significant increase compared to last year. Lopp highlights that these types of incidents have increased by 169% and that France is currently the country with the most reported cases worldwide: 14 cases recorded. Physical attacks target Bitcoin and crypto owners, and security experts believe this trend is strengthening as the growth in crypto markets continues.

Physical Crypto Crimes Shake the World— Recently, a series of incidents in British Columbia involving family members during house raids for crypto demands, torture, and attack by assailants who drowned in a well have come to light. Meanwhile, investigations into a similar robbery that took place in San Francisco on November 24 are ongoing. While details are limited in these cases, the international number of cases exceeding the average is noteworthy.

The kidnapping of a tourist from Italy in New York and being held hostage for over two weeks is among actions aimed at obtaining crypto credentials. Investigations are ongoing regarding some NYPD officers possibly being involved in crypto ransom cases. In Chicago, six people have been accused this year of being kidnapped and forced to carry out crypto transfers in a series of incidents. French organizations focus on targeting using fake delivery uniforms, pre-collected information, and stolen service vehicles. There are records of incidents involving the kidnapping of Ledger founders David Balland and his wife, with tragedies such as the severing of a finger during the 48-hour event.

Analysts link the rise in these types of physical crimes to the increasing value of crypto markets; as individual assets grow, threats increasingly aim to illegally obtain credentials and force transactions. Therefore, enhancing security measures and awareness is become critical.