Wrench Attacks Steal Over $30M in 2026, Outpacing Last Year's Record

Crypto wrench attacks have stolen more than $30 million so far in 2026, according to Chainalysis. This represents a significant increase from last year's record of $58 million.

The blockchain analytics firm documented 46 violent crypto-related incidents globally through late June, up from 40 during the same period in 2025. These attacks include kidnappings, home invasions, and hostage situations.

While only 12 of the 46 attempts resulted in payment, giving attackers a 26% success rate, down from 49% in 2025, Chainalysis notes that known cases likely understate the scale of the problem. Many attacks go unreported, making it difficult to determine the actual total number.

The majority of wrench attacks took place in France, with 30 publicly known incidents by midyear compared to 19 throughout 2025. French authorities have counted more than 70 incidents, suggesting the actual total may be higher due to underreporting. The alleged misuse of French tax records is thought to be a key driver of the surge.