Crypto Home Invasions Soar 20-Fold as Ransom Demands Hit $124 Million

Crypto home invasions have increased by a staggering 20 times in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to a report from security firm CertiK. The company recorded $124.1 million in losses and ransom demands during this time, up from just $10.5 million in H1 2025, an 11.8-fold increase.

CertiK's report also found that the number of verified crypto-related home invasions rose from one in H1 2025 to 20 in H1 2026. The majority of these attacks were concentrated in Europe, particularly in France, which accounted for 33 cases.

The security firm warns that physical-coercion crimes, often referred to as wrench attacks, can bypass digital defenses by threatening a holder or their relative until someone surrenders access or moves funds. To mitigate this risk, CertiK recommends using multisignature or multiparty computation with geographically distributed signers to eliminate unilateral authority over significant funds.