Chainalysis Warns of $30M in Wrench Attacks Against Crypto Holders

Chainalysis has documented over $30 million in thefts through 'wrench attacks' in the first half of this year, up from $58 million in all of 2025. These physical coercion attempts have risen from 40 incidents to 46 globally by mid-year.

Despite the increase in violence, attacker success rates remain relatively low, with only 12 of the 46 incidents resulting in payment (about 26%). France is a hotspot for wrench attacks, with 30 publicly known incidents reported by mid-year, compared to 19 throughout all of 2025. French authorities have reportedly recorded over 70 such incidents.

Chainalysis links the surge in wrench attacks to suspected data leaks and targeted selection of victims, rather than random violence. The report highlights that attackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, moving funds through exchanges, bridges, decentralized platforms, and laundering services, suggesting ties to broader criminal networks.