AI firm leader robbed at knifepoint, says attackers sought crypto

Oliver von Landsberg-Sadie, head of UK AI venture builder Greater Things, was the victim of a home invasion that he said targeted his crypto assets.

In a new LinkedIn post, Landsberg-Sadie said four men threatened him at knifepoint at his home on Friday while his family was present and they looked for “crypto specifically.”

The AI startup leader said his family was unharmed and that police are investigating. He did not elaborate on how the incident ended.

Landsberg-Sadie called the robbery part of an organized wave of attacks against people in the crypto industry.

“This is an urgent warning to all my fellow founders, CEOs, people with any public profile at all in the crypto space, there is clearly an organised campaign right now and I ask you to be more vigilant with your personal safety,” he stressed.

The rise of “wrench attacks”

The robbery reflects a rise in cases where criminals use threats of violence to force victims to hand over crypto assets, sometimes referred to as “wrench attacks.”

According to CertiK, the use of physical coercion to extract crypto assets rose in 2025, as “wrench attacks” became more frequent and organized.

There were 72 verified cases worldwide last year, a 75% increase from 2024, with losses topping $40.9 million. Kidnapping was the primary method, while physical assaults also increased.

Europe was the hardest-hit region, accounting for over 40% of incidents, with France leading globally. Some founders and investors have stepped up personal security and privacy measures.

How attackers find their targets

Criminal organizations increasingly use open-source intelligence to build dossiers on potential victims: social media profiles, corporate filings, conference attendance records, and blockchain transaction data.

A LinkedIn post, a keynote speech, or a podcast appearance can give attackers enough information to estimate someone’s net worth and locate them physically.