Michaela
Lachy Groom, a venture capitalist and former partner of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, was targeted in a wrench attack at his San Francisco home, where assailants stole $11 million in Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC).
Key Points
- According to a report by The New York Post, doorbell camera footage captured the suspect impersonating a delivery worker while carrying a white package
- The assailant called out for “Joshua,” claiming to be affiliated with UPS to gain entry to the home
- When Groom answered the door and confirmed his identity as Joshua, the suspect requested that he sign for the package
According to a report by The New York Post, doorbell camera footage captured the suspect impersonating a delivery worker while carrying a white package. The assailant called out for “Joshua,” claiming to be affiliated with UPS to gain entry to the home.
When Groom answered the door and confirmed his identity as Joshua, the suspect requested that he sign for the package. The assailant then searched his pockets and asked to borrow a pen before entering the home, after which a loud bang was reportedly heard.
According to police sources, once inside the home, the suspect brandished a firearm and restrained Groom with duct tape before accessing his cryptocurrency accounts and taking his phone and laptop. The assailant reportedly stole $11 million in Ethereum and Bitcoin. A source familiar with the investigation told The New York Post that it is believed that the robbery was a targeted operation carried out by an organized crime group.
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The source reportedly told The Post that Groom was restrained and assaulted while the attacker used a phone on loudspeaker, during which foreign voices recited personal information about him. The assailant then poured liquid on Groom and spent approximately 90 minutes draining his cryptocurrency wallets.
This type of attack, commonly referred to as a wrench attack, has been increasing recently, with some analysts suggesting a link to rising Bitcoin values. According to Chainalysis’ 2025 Crypto Crime Mid-Year Update, theft of digital assets remains the top concern for the cryptocurrency community this year. The report notes that expectations of future price gains may encourage opportunistic physical attacks on crypto holders and key industry figures, highlighting the growing risks associated with market growth.
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A perpetrator involved in a 2024 wrench attack on a Canadian family was recently sentenced to seven years in prison. The individual pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including breaking and entering with intent to commit an indictable offense, robbery, unlawful confinement, and sexual assault of one of the victims.
The incident spotlights the escalating prevalence of wrench attacks, demonstrating that even high-profile members of the cryptocurrency community remain vulnerable to these deliberate and sophisticated thefts.
MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
