Sillytuna Loses $24M in Crypto After Physical Assault Targets Wallet Access

• A violent crypto wrench attack drained about $24 million from a wallet linked to Sillytuna according to PeckShield.

• Crypto wrench attacks surged 75% in 2025 as criminals increasingly target wealthy digital asset holders.

• Security experts warn crypto wrench attacks bypass wallets and security tools by targeting victims directly.

Blockchain security firm PeckShield reported a major crypto theft involving a wallet linked to the influencer Sillytuna. Attackers drained nearly $24 million worth of aEthUSDC from the address. The firm initially suspected an address poisoning attack. Investigators also observed the attacker bridging small portions of funds to Arbitrum shortly after the theft.

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However, the situation quickly took a different turn. Sillytuna later clarified that the incident did not involve address poisoning. Instead, the theft followed a violent physical assault targeting the wallet owner. Police authorities have since opened an investigation into the attack.

Physical Assault Behind the $24M Crypto Theft

Investigators confirmed the stolen assets consisted mainly of aEthUSDC, a bridged version of the USD Coin. Attackers transferred the funds from address 0x6f…0322 before moving them through intermediary wallets. On-chain analysts then tracked several transactions across multiple addresses. Meanwhile, some of the funds moved through bridging routes toward Arbitrum.

Reports indicate that criminals used direct physical coercion to obtain access to the wallet. The attackers used threats, weapons, and kidnapping pressure during the assault. This type of crime falls under what the crypto industry calls a wrench attack. These attacks rely on violence rather than technical blockchain vulnerabilities.

Unlike typical hacks, wrench attacks bypass digital security protections. Hardware wallets, cold storage systems, and two-factor authentication cannot stop these crimes. Criminals instead target individuals who hold large digital asset portfolios.

Wrench Attacks Surge as Crypto Wealth Grows

Security researchers report a sharp rise in these crimes over the past two years. Earlier in the crypto market’s history, such attacks rarely appeared in public reports. Between 2014 and 2022, only occasional cases surfaced globally.

However, the trend changed during the market surge between 2023 and 2024. Data compiled by CertiK shows around 40 to 41 documented wrench attack cases in 2024. These incidents marked the beginning of a noticeable upward trend.

The situation escalated further in 2025. CertiK’s Skynet security report confirmed 72 verified crypto wrench attack cases worldwide. This number represented a 75% increase compared with 2024 levels.

Moreover, confirmed financial losses exceeded $40 million during the year. Physical assaults linked to crypto crimes also increased sharply. Researchers recorded a 250 percent rise in violent attacks targeting digital asset holders.

Kidnapping emerged as the most common tactic. Security analysts documented roughly 25 kidnapping cases during the year. Europe accounted for more than 40 percent of the global incidents.

Several violent cases drew international attention. Authorities reported a kidnapping involving David Balland and his spouse in France. Meanwhile, criminals carried out a violent home invasion in Vancouver to steal approximately $1.5 million in Bitcoin.

Investigators also documented a fatal case in Ukraine involving the son of a deputy mayor. Additionally, several hostage incidents involving family members occurred in the United States.

Early 2026 Data Signals Continued Growth

Security experts believe many incidents remain unreported. Victims often avoid public disclosures due to safety concerns or private settlements. As a result, actual losses may exceed published figures.

Early data suggests the trend continues into 2026. Researchers recorded at least 11 wrench attack cases during January and February alone. Analysts link the rise to the growing wealth generated during crypto bull markets.

Criminal groups increasingly target individuals who appear newly wealthy through digital assets. Consequently, security experts warn that personal safety now plays a major role in crypto asset protection.