China, UK, Morocco Hand Crypto Thieves 25-Year Jail Sentences Amid Rising ‘Wrench Attacks’

- Chinese court rules Bitcoin is property and jails physical crypto thief for more than 12 years - UK and Moroccan courts issue 25-year terms in violent attacks targeting digital asset holders On May 23, 2026, CoinDesk reported that courts in China, the UK, and Morocco had issued lengthy prison sentences for perpetrators of violent cryptocurrency thefts. According to CoinDesk, these cases mark a surge in global enforcement against physical “wrench attacks” and signal a rapid shift in how legal systems treat crypto-related crimes and the protection of digital assets. In Fuzhou, China, CoinDesk reported that a defendant identified as Lin received more than 12 years in prison after stealing 4 Bitcoins from an acquaintance. The court formally recognized Bitcoin as “property,” despite its lack of legal tender status, and this landmark judgment was upheld on appeal. As a result, the decision is significant for its explicit acknowledgment of crypto’s transferable value under Chinese criminal law. In addition, CoinDesk reported that UK authorities sentenced a group responsible for physical attacks targeting crypto holders, while Moroccan courts imposed a 25-year jail term on Mohamed Hamid Bajou for orchestrating kidnappings of French crypto holders. Violent crypto thefts are on the rise across Europe, and CoinDesk noted that France recorded at least 19 wrench attacks in 2025 with escalating numbers in 2026. These cases therefore highlight a robust international response to physical cryptocurrency crimes, and they reflect evolving judicial attitudes and greater protections for digital asset owners. As of 18:09 UTC on May 23, 2026, CoinMarketCap data cited by CoinDesk showed that Bitcoin (BTC) was trading at $75,470.45, down 1.573% in 24-hour volume.