Chainalysis Says Crypto Wrench Attacks Are Heading for a Record Year After $30 Million in Losses

Physical attacks against cryptocurrency holders are accelerating in 2026, with blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis estimating that more than $30 million was stolen in the first half of the year alone. In a report published Thursday, the firm documented 46 violent incidents through late June, ranging from kidnappings to home invasions and hostage situations. Chainalysis said these so-called "wrench attacks" target people who control assets that can be transferred instantly and irreversibly. The report found that kidnappings remain the most common form of attack, while home invasions are taking a larger share, rising to 37% of documented cases from 26% in 2023. It also said attackers are increasingly pressuring victims by targeting family members and acquaintances. France recorded 30 incidents through mid-2026, the highest total of any country, and Chainalysis linked the rise there to an alleged tax-record breach that exposed information about wealthy crypto holders. Chainalysis also described a split in attacker sophistication. Some moved stolen funds straight to centralized exchanges, while others used decentralized exchanges, bridges, MEV bots, and other DeFi tools to obscure the trail. The report arrives as related cases continue to mount across Europe and the U.S.