UK Teens Jailed After $4.3M Wrench Attack Robbery Caught on Police Video
Three teenagers from Sheffield were jailed after robbing a London crypto holder at knifepoint, stealing $4.3 million in cryptocurrency. Disguised as delivery drivers, they forced entry, threatened the resident, and then left in the victim’s car, documenting the crime on Snapchat. Police identified them using social media posts and vehicle tracking, arresting them within hours on a motorway. The stolen cryptocurrency was fully recovered and returned to the victim within two weeks. Sentences ranged from 46 to 80 months in youth detention after guilty pleas. The case highlights a rise in so-called “wrench attacks,” where criminals coerce individuals to access digital assets instead of hacking wallets. Security experts note these attacks often stem from exposed personal information, such as data breaches or oversharing on social media, making individuals easier targets. Experts advise reducing personal exposure, avoiding single-point custody of funds, and being alert to phishing or SIM-swap attempts to mitigate risks, as attackers increasingly target people rather than technical security defenses.
