The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, might have connections to a violent type of cryptocurrency crime called a ‘wrench attack’. This information was suggested by former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer. Nancy, aged 84, was last seen near her Tucson, Arizona home early on February 1. Coffindaffer indicates the scenario aligns with a growing criminal approach where victims are threatened or taken to gain access to cryptocurrency assets.
Authorities assert that Guthrie was probably taken against her will, yet they haven’t publicly identified any suspect or announced arrests. Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff, mentioned they suspect a motive but haven’t released further details.
Potential Linkage with Scottsdale Home Invasion
Coffindaffer has pointed to a potential connection between Guthrie’s case and a home invasion in Scottsdale, Arizona, occurring a day before Guthrie’s disappearance. This event supposedly involved a plot to steal millions in cryptocurrency. ‘I’ve been highlighting this wrench attack occurring just 90 minutes north of Nancy’s residence the previous day,’ Coffindaffer stated on a social media post. She theorizes such an attack is a likely scenario for Nancy’s situation due to the circumstances.
Understanding a ‘Wrench Attack’
‘Wrench attacks’ involve using physical force or threats to make a victim give up their cryptocurrency access, as explained by crypto tracing firm TRM Labs. The term arises from a situation where an assailant might use a wrench to coerce someone to reveal their crypto credentials.
The number of these attacks has surged worldwide. Crypto security firm CertiK documented 34 verified occurrences globally in early 2026, up 41% from the previous year in the same period. The total losses over these months hit approximately $101 million. The firm predicts about 130 incidents might be recorded by the year’s end, resulting in possible losses in the several hundred million dollars range.
Previously, two American crypto investors faced charges after kidnapping and torturing a man for his Bitcoin password. In France, kidnappings for ransom have targeted wealthy crypto holders and their relatives. One case involved David Balland, the co-founder of Ledger, and his wife, who were both abducted, with him suffering a finger injury during a €10 million ransom demand. They were eventually rescued and some suspects were apprehended.
Why the Rise in ‘Wrench Attacks’?
TRM Labs suggests these attacks are rising because perpetrators believe cryptocurrency theft can’t be easily traced. People who display their crypto wealth publicly or online attract attention, making them targets. The ease of finding personal information online has simplified the process for attackers to identify and track their potential victims.
Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance Timeline
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona, home in the Catalina Foothills area on January 31. She was reported missing the next day. Authorities suggest abduction, having discovered blood traces on her porch.
A widespread search effort includes local law enforcement and the FBI. In February, the FBI released surveillance footage from a doorbell camera. It showed a masked man, considered a suspect, at Nancy’s door on the night she went missing. Despite the investigation, there is still no identified suspect or significant breakthrough.
Way Forward
The investigation continues. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), 520-351-4900, or 88-CRIME or to visit tips.fbi.gov.