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▲ Cryptocurrency, Kidnapping, Crypto Crime/AI Generated Image
A warning has been issued that physical coercion crimes targeting cryptocurrency holders could reach an all-time high this year. Blockchain security firm CertiK predicts that cryptocurrency wrench attacks could reach 130 cases by the end of 2026, with damages potentially amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. A wrench attack refers to a crime that attempts to steal digital assets through physical threats such as kidnapping, blackmail, or assault, rather than hacking.
BeInCrypto reported on May 9, citing CertiK data, that 34 cryptocurrency wrench attacks were confirmed from January to April 2026. This represents a 41% increase compared to the same period last year. Estimated losses, including ransom payments, frozen funds, and failed demands, amounted to approximately $101 million.
Monthly, 13 cases occurred in January, 5 in February, 10 in March, and 5 in April. Compared to the same months in 2025, cases increased from 9 to 13 in January, from 7 to 10 in March, and from 2 to 5 in April. CertiK explained that the decrease in February reflected the delayed effect of a large-scale police operation conducted across Europe at the end of January, and that cases surged again starting in March.
Regionally, Europe showed a significant concentration. Europe accounted for 28 out of 34 total cases, making up 82%. In France, 24 cases occurred over four months, already exceeding the total of 20 cases last year. An official from the French Ministry of Interior confirmed that 41 incidents related to physical attacks have occurred since January, which is approximately once every 2.5 days.
In contrast, related incidents decreased in other regions. North America saw a reduction from 9 to 3 cases, and Asia from 25 to 2 cases. CertiK attributed the surge in incidents in France to the presence of major cryptocurrency industry companies, sensitive data breaches, and a culture of public wealth display. The analysis suggests that while attackers previously relied on physical surveillance to find targets, now exposed financial data influences the selection of criminal targets.
CertiK observed that as wallet and protocol security strengthens, attackers are shifting from targeting technical vulnerabilities in the cryptocurrency economy to directly targeting individuals. A warning was also issued that as long as cryptocurrency asset holdings are linked to identifiable financial data, physical coercion could remain an economically rational attack vector for attackers.
*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for any investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*
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