Five Arrested in Spain Over Crypto-Linked Murder and Kidnapping

TLDR

• Five suspects were arrested in Spain for a kidnapping and murder linked to crypto theft.
• The attackers targeted a couple, shooting the man and holding them at gunpoint for wallet information.
• Four additional suspects in Denmark are charged, with two already imprisoned for similar crimes.
• Police recovered weapons, a baton, and blood-stained evidence during searches.
• The rise of attacks targeting crypto holders is increasing globally, with 66 recorded cases in 2025.

Spanish authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with a kidnapping and murder in Málaga. The crime occurred in April, when attackers targeted a couple, attempting to gain access to their crypto wallets. Four other suspects in Denmark have been charged in the case.

Victims Held at Gunpoint in Crypto Heist Attempt

The incident began when a group of kidnappers assaulted a couple in their home. The attackers shot the man in the leg before forcing both victims into a nearby house. They demanded the couple’s cryptocurrency wallet information to steal their digital assets.

The woman was eventually released after being held for several hours. She contacted the authorities, but her partner remained missing. His body was later discovered in a wooded area close to the location where the kidnapping occurred. Authorities confirmed that the man’s death was the result of a homicide.

Searches Yield Key Evidence, Further Arrests Made

Spanish authorities conducted multiple searches during the investigation. Police recovered two handguns, one real and one replica, an expandable baton, and a balaclava. They also found blood-stained trousers and biological evidence matching blood found at the crime scene.

The five individuals arrested in Spain face charges related to kidnapping, murder, and attempted theft. Four suspects in Denmark are also facing charges, and two of them are already imprisoned for similar offenses. The operation was carried out in coordination with Danish authorities.

Growing Trend of Crypto Attacks Across the Globe

This case is part of a rising trend of attacks targeting individuals with cryptocurrency holdings. These attacks involve physical assaults meant to force victims to reveal their private wallet information. The surge in these incidents coincides with the growing value of Bitcoin and other digital assets.

Security experts have documented at least 66 similar physical assaults this year, including kidnappings, home invasions, and attacks on crypto influencers and exchanges. The rise of wrench attacks has affected multiple countries, including France, the United States, and various parts of Asia. The growing trend highlights the risks associated with holding significant digital wealth in the current climate.

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