Bitcoin Or Your Life? Israeli Trader Stabbed, $600K Stolen in Home Attack
An Israeli cryptocurrency trader was stabbed and robbed in a violent home invasion in Herzliya, with attackers seizing approximately $600,000 in Bitcoin, USDT, and valuables, according to the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office.
How the Attack Unfolded
On September 7, attackers ambushed a Bitcoin trader at his apartment in Herzliya around 8:10 a.m. The assailants had been waiting in the stairwell before forcing entry. Once inside, they tied the victim up and stabbed him twice above the knees while threatening his family to coerce him into handing over access to his digital wallets.
The attackers initially demanded 500 Bitcoin but later scaled the amount down under duress, eventually gaining access to the trader’s accounts. They transferred approximately $547,260 in Bitcoin and $42,248 in USDT. In addition, the group stole a Rolex valued at $50,000, a laptop, a Trezor hardware wallet, €5,300 in cash, and several thousand Israeli shekels. Before departing, the attackers sprayed disinfectant throughout the apartment, presumably to eliminate forensic evidence.
Arrest and Charges
Authorities arrested 46-year-old Murad Mahajna on September 10. He has since been indicted by the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office on multiple charges including breaking and entering, aggravated robbery, extortion, obstruction of justice, and issuing threats.
Law enforcement linked Mahajna to the crime through a combination of phone tracking, voice recognition, technological evidence, and CCTV footage. Mahajna reportedly has a criminal record with 10 previous convictions involving violence, narcotics, and weapons offenses.
Financial Breakdown
The combined value of the cryptocurrency taken — approximately $589,508 — aligns with law enforcement reports. Added to that is the estimated value of the stolen Rolex and cash, bringing the total loss close to $600,000.
This incident has been classified as a “wrench attack,” a term used to describe physical violence aimed at forcing cryptocurrency holders to surrender their digital assets. According to TRM Labs, this case marks at least the 52nd confirmed attack of its kind involving crypto holders in 2025.
Post-incident, the victim reportedly received threatening calls demanding additional crypto and warning that family members could be targeted if further payments weren’t made.
Featured image from Vecteezy; chart from TradingView
