Physical attacks on crypto holders exploded in the first half of 2026. CertiK counted 52 verified incidents where criminals used force to steal digital assets, up a third from 39 cases in the same period last year. The money involved jumped to $124.1 million, roughly eleven times the $10.5 million in H1 2025.
France absorbed the worst of it. Some 33 of those 52 attacks happened there, which means nearly two-thirds of all documented cases globally hit a single country.
Home invasions became the weapon of choice
What changed most was the tactic. A year ago, home invasions linked to crypto theft barely registered, just one incident in H1 2025. By this year's midpoint, that number had climbed to 20. Attackers started breaking into residences specifically to force victims into transferring their holdings. The average loss per attack nearly shot up ninefold. In H1 2025, each incident averaged around $269,000. Now it hits $2.4 million.
Chainalysis researchers noticed another pattern. Attackers tend to strike when crypto prices spike. They monitor the market and time their moves around volatility surges, turning price rallies into windows for physical assault.
Over the full year 2025, CertiK tracked 72 wrench attacks total, with $40.9 million in losses. Six months into 2026 already tripled the annual dollar exposure. At this pace, 2026 will set records nobody wants to see.
This material is for information purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice or investment guidance.
