Violence escalates in crypto crime, with ‘wrench attacks’ up 75% in 2026

Crypto-related crime escalated sharply in 2025 as physical violence emerged as a primary threat to digital asset holders, according to a new report from blockchain security firm CertiK.

Incidents known as “wrench attacks”—where victims are physically coerced into surrendering private keys—rose 75% year over year, with 72 confirmed cases recorded globally. CertiK described the surge as a pivotal shift, signaling that real-world violence has become a central risk in the crypto ecosystem.

The report documented a 250% jump in physical assaults tied to crypto theft, including home invasions, kidnappings, and at least one fatal attack. Europe accounted for more than 40% of global incidents, nearly doubling its share from 22% in 2024.

France was the most affected country, with 19 reported attacks—more than twice the number seen in the United States. Significant increases were also recorded in Spain and Sweden, which CertiK said reflects growing involvement by organized crime groups targeting individuals publicly linked to crypto holdings.

Attackers employed a range of tactics. Some broke into victims’ homes, while others targeted family members—such as spouses, children, or elderly parents—to force compliance. The report also identified a rise in “honeypot” operations, in which criminals established fake romantic relationships before orchestrating physical assaults.

CertiK linked the rise in violence to improved digital defenses across the crypto industry, which have raised the cost and complexity of traditional cyberattacks. The firm referred to this dynamic as the “Technical Paradox”: as systems become more secure, attackers increasingly exploit the weakest point—the human element.

Confirmed losses from wrench attacks surpassed $40 million in 2025, though CertiK warned that many incidents likely go unreported. The firm said this trend has expanded the definition of crypto risk beyond technical vulnerabilities to include personal security.

In response, parts of the industry are moving to address the threat through insurance and risk-mitigation strategies. Several firms, including Lloyd’s of London, have begun offering policies that explicitly cover losses stemming from wrench attacks.