Physical crypto attacks hit record pace in 2026, with losses reaching $101 million

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Physical crypto attacks hit record pace in 2026, with losses reaching $101 million

CertiK reports 34 verified physical attacks on crypto holders in the first four months of 2026.
This represents a 41% increase year-over-year, with losses estimated at $101 million.
Europe, and France in particular, has become the global epicenter, driven by data leaks and organized criminal networks.

Incidents of physical crypto attacks on investors are skyrocketing around the world, in what CertiK calls a “significantly underreported phenomenon.”

In a study published Friday, blockchain security firm CertiK disclosed there have been 34 verified physical attacks on cryptocurrency holders in just the first four months of 2026. These assaults are referred to as “wrench attacks.”

That figure represents a 41% increase over the same period last year, with estimated losses reaching $101 million.

CertiK projects roughly 130 crypto attacks by 2026

Wrench attacks refer to physical assaults, kidnappings, and extortion to force crypto holders to hand over private keys or transfer digital assets. The term originates from the joke that no encryption survives a “$5 wrench” applied to the right person.

The highest number of wrench attacks this year happened in January, with CertiK confirming 13 incidents. In February, there were only 5 cases, 10 cases in March, and another 5 in April.

The report shows Europe now accounts for 82% of all recorded attacks, up from 39.5% across all of 2025. France alone logged 24 incidents in four months, exceeding its full-year 2025 total of 20.

In April, Telegram founder Pavel Durov posted that France had witnessed 41 incidents of crypto-linked kidnappings in just the 3.5 months of 2026. He said the leaking of sensitive user data, including tax information, is what’s making crypto investors easy targets, Cryptopolitan reported.

Meanwhile, reported incidents in North America fell from 9 to 3, and in Asia from 25 to 2 over the same period.

CertiK projects roughly 130 incidents and losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars by the end of 2026, if the trend persists.

Wrench attacks are getting more organized

Similar to Durov’s claim, CertiK notes that the growing number of wrench attacks is due to “data-driven targeting.” Instead of physically tracking victims, attackers are buying names, addresses, and financial profiles from online brokers.

The report also noted that the attackers now also go after relatives and associates of the target victim, using them as leverage.

More than half of the incidents in France this year involved a family member of the main target. In some cases, relatives were attacked directly.

Earlier this year, the 84-year-old mother of journalist Savannah Guthrie was kidnapped as part of a $6 million Bitcoin ransom demand.

The study also found that the attacks are perpetuated by young people. French authorities indicted 88 suspects in late April. More than ten were minors. Charges included kidnapping, unlawful confinement, extortion, and money laundering, according to CertiK.

How to protect yourself

Security experts say protecting crypto assets now requires more than strong passwords and hardware wallets.

Investors are being urged to reduce the public visibility of their holdings. That includes avoiding posts about wallet activity, crypto profits, or luxury purchases on social media.

Experts also recommend separating personal identities from crypto accounts whenever possible.

There’s a middle ground between leaving money in the bank and rolling the dice in crypto. Start with this free video on decentralized finance.

FAQs

How many crypto wrench attacks has CertiK recorded in 2026?

CertiK documented 34 verified incidents from January through April 2026, a 41% increase over the same period in 2025, with estimated losses of approximately $101 million.

Why is France the most targeted country for crypto wrench attacks?

CertiK attributes France's concentration to the presence of major crypto firms like Ledger and Binance, a community culture of public self-disclosure, and multiple sensitive data breaches, including leaks from government tax databases that exposed crypto holder profiles.

Are family members of crypto holders at risk from wrench attacks?

Yes. CertiK found that more than half of French incidents in 2026 involved a family member of the primary target, used as a direct victim or as leverage, with cases including the kidnapping of an 84-year-old relative of a public figure for a $6 million Bitcoin ransom.

CertiK

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Disclaimer. The information provided is not trading advice. Cryptopolitan.com holds no liability for any investments made based on the information provided on this page. We strongly recommend independent research and/or consultation with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

Ibiam Wayas

Ibiam Wayas is a crypto writer with experience since 2019. He studied Computer Science at National Open University of Nigeria. His work has appeared on various crypto news platforms, including Coinfomania, Crypto News Australia, and AltcoinBuzz. Ibiam currently contributes and edits for Cryptopolitan.

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. CertiK projects roughly 130 crypto attacks by 2026

2. Wrench attacks are getting more organized

3. How to protect yourself

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Physical crypto attacks hit record pace in 2026, with losses reaching $101 million

CertiK projects roughly 130 crypto attacks by 2026

Wrench attacks are getting more organized

How to protect yourself

FAQs

How many crypto wrench attacks has CertiK recorded in 2026?

Why is France the most targeted country for crypto wrench attacks?

Are family members of crypto holders at risk from wrench attacks?

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Physical crypto attacks hit record pace in 2026, with losses reaching $101 million

CertiK projects roughly 130 crypto attacks by 2026

Wrench attacks are getting more organized

How to protect yourself

FAQs

How many crypto wrench attacks has CertiK recorded in 2026?

Why is France the most targeted country for crypto wrench attacks?

Are family members of crypto holders at risk from wrench attacks?

5 Ingenious Applications of ChatGPT And What You Should Do About Them

93% Business Leaders Favor AI-Powered Solutions for Brand Sustainability Management, Reuters

Here’s How Macron Supports France’s Vibrant and Productive AI Ecosystem

Bloomberg Estimates the Generative AI Market to Reach $1.3 Trillion by 2032

One sharp brief.Every day.

One sharp brief.
Every day.