Wrench Attacks Surge 75% in 2026 as Cryptocurrency Crime Turns Violent

A disturbing new trend is emerging in the cryptocurrency space, with physical "wrench attacks" against crypto holders seeing a sharp 75% increase in 2026. This violent form of crime, which involves thieves using coercion or physical force to steal private keys and seed phrases, marks a dangerous escalation beyond digital hacks and scams. Security experts warn that the anonymity and irreversible nature of crypto transactions make these assets a prime target for physical theft. The rise underscores the critical need for enhanced personal security measures, including the use of hardware wallets, secure storage of recovery phrases, and heightened discretion about one's crypto holdings. This shift towards violence poses a significant challenge for the entire blockchain ecosystem and its adoption.