Crypto Wrench Attacks Surge 41% in Early 2026, with $101M in Losses Reported by CertiK

According to crypto security firm CertiK, victims lost approximately $101 million from crypto wrench attacks—physical assaults and extortion attempts—during the first four months of 2026. CertiK verified 34 incidents globally in this period, representing a 41% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2025. If the trend continues, the firm estimates losses could reach several hundred million dollars for the full year.

Europe has been disproportionately affected, accounting for 28 of the 34 verified attacks, or 82%. France remains the hardest-hit country with 24 recorded assaults so far in 2026. CertiK notes that attackers are increasingly targeting family members of primary victims, with over half the incidents involving spouses, children, or elderly parents either as direct targets or leverage.