Records maintained by CASA’s Jameson Lopp reported a 169% increase in physical attacks targeting Bitcoin and crypto holders over the past six months. This data reveals awkward patterns that have been directly linked to rising cryptocurrency prices. As Bitcoin acquires more financial value, the physical threat to holders is rapidly increasing in both number and severity.
More detailed report Forbes It has been revealed that 48 physical incidents have been recorded worldwide between January and mid-September 2025. This represents a 33% increase compared to all of 2024. Thirty-five of these incidents occurred after previous analysis was published in late February this year. The upward trend continues to raise concerns about investor safety, particularly as digital assets like Bitcoin gain mainstream recognition and higher market value.
Crypto-related violence surges as Bitcoin prices rise
Bitcoin’s price recovery and subsequent bull run are reflected in a wave of violent attacks. These crimes are aimed not only for individual holders, but also for traders, executives and industry participants. Data collected by LOPP shows an increased risk as offenders exploit the irreversible nature of digital assets.
In 2025 alone, France recorded 14 separate incidents, including physical attacks on crypto investors. These cases range from home invasions to attempted lures, and often involve coercion to transfer funds to attackers. This level of activity makes France one of the countries most affected during this period. One of the latest attacks took place on September 6, 2025 in Cambridge, Ontario. Waterloo Regional Police reported that the young man was accused at the intersection of Saginaw Parkway and Town Line Road. The victim was forced into a dark-colored van by five unidentified suspects.
Police said the attackers wielded firearms and forced the victim to transfer large sums of money to cryptocurrency wallets. After compliance, the individual was released and later treated for non-life-threatening injuries in the hospital. Officer Chris Aiden reported that four black men were seen wearing dark clothes and masks during the incident. He also sought public assistance in identifying the van used in the temptation.
Crypto Security Expert deals with changing risk environments
Jameson Lopp tracked these incidents through publicly accessible archives and shared insights into the changing threat landscape for digital asset owners. He explained that the increase in asset values has made Bitcoin a more attractive target for criminals.
Lopp said that Bitcoin has become more secure over time, but the security does not protect users from physical enforcement. He emphasized that investors with digital assets need to stay up to date with evolving threats and build personal security plans accordingly.
According to LOPP, the sharp rise in Bitcoin-related attacks reflects an increase in asset value. Criminals now view Bitcoin as a valuable target that can be forced, not just digital money. As prices rise, so does physical crime incentives.
He added that one of the biggest risks for new investors is in the space without major management and proper education on personal safety. Lack of preparation makes users vulnerable to both digital and physical threats.
Practical safety measures for crypto owners
In light of these attacks, various steps can reduce your chances of becoming a target. One important recommendation is to avoid publishing crypto ownership. Individuals should avoid being labelled “Bitcoin person” in the community or online. Over the past few years, some investors have been actively promoting Bitcoin on social media and among friends and family.
However, Bitcoin is now much more valuable than its early adoption, so its actions can increase the risk to individuals. Even a random mention can attract the attention of a bad actor.
Online behavior continues to be one of the most common vectors leading to target attacks. Public figures such as content creator Amouranth were victims of violent invasions. In her case, the attacker requested cryptocurrency during a home invasion in Houston in March 2025.
This shows how the public visibility of Bitcoin Holding leads to real results. Avoiding mention of ownership of a post, video or crypto, particularly the amount held, will significantly reduce your risk. For independent Bitcoin, it is important to increase the security of your wallet. This includes protecting seed phrases, using passphrases, and securing backup data in separate locations.
Security experts recommend treating your current assets as if they are 10 times more valuable in the future. Increasing the value of assets justifies extra effort and vigilance. By moving your wallet information away from both online platforms and physical access points, you limit the likelihood of theft under forced or threat.
Multisig wallets provide layered protection
Advanced users can choose a multi-signature wallet. These require multiple devices or approvals from individual locations to approve transactions. This setup adds another layer of difficulty to criminals who are physically accessing parts of the setup but are trying to access funds.
Geographical separation of signature devices makes immediate theft much more difficult under forced enforcement. Multisig solutions are particularly useful for individuals or businesses with large quantities of digital assets. Investors who are less interested in direct control can consider exposing Bitcoin via ETFs or storage services. These methods provide price exposure without primary management responsibility.
But they have their own set of risks, including relying on institutional security. Still, some investors may prefer to trade certain risks for the additional benefits of the institution’s security infrastructure. It becomes a trade-off between the convenience that Bitcoin was built and the core principles of independence.
The incident is expected to increase with the adoption of Bitcoin
As Bitcoin continues to enter the mainstream and prices reach new highs, physical attacks could continue. Lopp’s archives document clear trends. Criminals adjust their tactics to exploit weaknesses in user security, particularly through direct physical enforcement.
The only effective defenses are the recognition, preparation and application of layered safety measures. Individuals need to act as their own security officers in managing assets that can be transferred instantly and irreversibly.
In the first eight and a half months of 2025, physical attacks on Bitcoin and crypto holders have grown at an astonishing rate. The 169% increase in cases since February and a 33% increase over the previous year highlight how asset value directly affects criminal profits. Victims are often under threat of transferring funds, and cases like Cambridge’s Entry show how these businesses are organized.
Security experts, including Jameson Lopp, continue to track and report on these threats, urging investors to prioritize personal safety. Best practices include avoiding public disclosures of holdings, strengthening custody practices, and considering multisig or institutional options.
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