Chainalysis Says Wrench Attacks Exceed $30M Amid Rising Physical Risks
TL;DR
- Chainalysis documented 46 physical attacks against cryptocurrency holders in the first half of 2026, with a total of more than $30 million stolen.
- Only 12 of the 46 attacks actually resulted in a payment, representing a success rate of 26%, down from 49% recorded in 2025.
- France accounts for the highest number of incidents: local authorities counted more than 70 cases, driven by tax data leaks.
The so-called “wrench attacks” —physical attacks against cryptocurrency holders that include kidnappings, home invasions and hostage-taking— exceeded $30 million stolen in the first half of 2026, according to a report by Chainalysis. If the current pace holds, the year could surpass the record of $58 million stolen throughout all of 2025.
The blockchain analytics firm recorded 46 violent incidents linked to cryptocurrencies globally through the end of June, up from 40 in the same period the previous year. The data points to a consistent escalation of a criminal method that no longer limits itself to breaching digital wallets, but puts the physical safety of holders, their homes and their families at risk.
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