Crypto Holders Face Surge in Violent 'Wrench Attacks' with $30M Stolen Globally

Violent 'wrench attacks' targeting cryptocurrency holders have surged in 2026, with over $30 million stolen globally in the first half of the year, according to Chainalysis data. These attacks, which include home invasions, kidnappings, and physical coercion, are on track to surpass the record $58 million stolen in 2025.

France has emerged as a hotspot for these attacks, logging 30 publicly reported incidents through mid-2026, compared to only 19 in all of 2025. The country's data breach at the French tax authority in 2024 and another breach by crypto tax-reporting firm Waltio in early 2026 may have fueled this surge.

Globally, wrench attacks have shifted in both scope and strategy. Home invasions now account for 37% of incidents in 2026, up from 26% in 2023, while kidnappings remain a consistent 52%. Attackers are increasingly targeting family members and associates to exert additional leverage on crypto holders.