CertiK: Crypto "wrench attacks" surge in 2026, with Europe being the hardest hit, especially France.

According to ChainCatcher, as reported by The Block, crypto security firm CertiK released a report today indicating that 34 crypto "wrench attacks" (offline physical attacks and extortion against crypto asset holders) have been confirmed globally in the first four months of 2026, a 41% increase compared to the same period in 2025, with total losses for victims amounting to approximately $101 million. If this trend continues, the total number of incidents for the year is expected to reach approximately 130, with losses potentially reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. Geographically, 28 of the 34 incidents (82%) occurred in Europe, with France being particularly prominent, recording 24 incidents in the first four months of 2026 alone, exceeding the total of 20 incidents for the entire year of 2025. CertiK attributes this to France being home to flagship crypto companies such as Ledger and Binance, frequent data breaches, and the prevalence of "flaunting wealth and active doxxing" culture within the community. In contrast, the number of reported incidents in the US in the first quarter decreased to 3 from 9 in 2025, and in Asia from 25 to 2. Regarding attack patterns, CertiK points out that criminal groups have shifted to a "data-driven targeting" model, reducing the need for on-site reconnaissance by purchasing victims' names, addresses, and asset information from data intermediaries. More than half of the incidents this year involved threats or direct harm to the victims' families (spouse, children, elderly parents) as a means of pressure. At the execution level, small groups of 3 to 5 people typically operate through...