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Crypto wrench attacks top $30M stolen in 2026, Chainalysis says

Chainalysis found just 12 of 46 documented incidents resulted in a payment, a 26% success rate, and France recorded 30 publicly known cases by midyear.

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Criminals have stolen more than $30 million from crypto holders through physical “wrench attacks” so far in 2026, putting the year on track to exceed the $58 million stolen in 2025, according to a Chainalysis report cited by Cointelegraph.

Chainalysis said it documented 46 violent crypto-related incidents globally through late June, up from 40 during the same period in 2025. The incidents included kidnappings, home invasions, and hostage situations, and the firm noted that only 12 of the 46 attempts resulted in payment, for a 26% success rate, down from 49% in 2025.

While Chainalysis said many attacks likely go unreported, it also argued that the wider risk is reaching beyond custody and asset management to victims’ physical safety, homes, and families. It said victims are often identified using data leaks, social media, or insider information before low-skilled crews carry out the violence.

France emerged as a major hotspot, with 30 publicly known incidents recorded by midyear, compared with 19 throughout 2025. Cointelegraph reported that French authorities counted more than 70 incidents, and that Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said first-half totals for kidnappings, extortions, or attempted extortions rose to 77 from 45 in all of 2025, alongside steps that include a rapid-alert and protection system and more intelligence coordination with the crypto industry.

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