Wrench Attack Hits Altman’s Ex: $11M in Crypto Stolen in Home Heist

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).

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Lachy Groom, a venture capitalist and former partner of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, was targeted in a wrench attack at his San Francisco home, losing $11M in Ethereum and Bitcoin.
The assailant posed as a delivery worker, restrained Groom, and spent 90 minutes accessing his crypto wallets, with evidence suggesting a coordinated operation by an organized crime group.
Wrench attacks are rising, with even prominent crypto figures at risk, as analysts link the trend to growing cryptocurrency values and increased opportunistic targeting.

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.

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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.

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.

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 has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

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