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Crypto 'Wrench Attacks' Surge, Costing Victims $124M in Six Months

By Staff · Jul 24, 2026 · 30 views

In a concerning trend for cryptocurrency holders, 'wrench attacks'—physical assaults aimed at coercing individuals into surrendering their digital assets—have seen a dramatic increase. According to a report by CertiK, these attacks have resulted in a staggering $124 million in losses over a six-month period, marking a twelvefold increase compared to previous data.

France has been identified as a primary location for these incidents, highlighting a worrying shift towards more aggressive tactics in the crypto theft landscape. These attacks typically occur at the victim's home, where assailants use physical force or threats to extract private keys or transfer cryptocurrencies directly.

The rise in such attacks underscores the importance of not only digital security but also personal safety measures for individuals involved in the cryptocurrency space. As the value of digital assets continues to rise, so too does the incentive for criminals to employ more direct and violent methods.

For Bitcoin and Lightning Network users, this trend serves as a critical reminder to maintain vigilance and consider additional security measures to protect both their digital and physical well-being.

Source: Decrypt