Deep Tide TechFlow News, March 4th, reports that former Los Angeles Police Department officer Eric Hallerum was sentenced to kidnapping and robbery for a 2024 home invasion case. Hallerum and accomplices disguised themselves as police officers, broke into a high-rise apartment of a 17-year-old, subdued him and his girlfriend, and threatened to shoot to force them to hand over a hard drive containing $350,000 worth of Bitcoin.

This case is the latest example of "$5 wrench attacks," which involve using violence to coerce victims into surrendering cryptocurrencies. According to blockchain security firm CertiK, violent attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders increased by 75% in 2025, resulting in losses of over $40.9 million.

Hallerum faces life imprisonment, and his co-defendants have not yet been tried and maintain their innocence.