Crypto home invasions surge to 20 in H1 2026, become most common 'wrench attack' type: CertiK

Home invasions have overtaken other forms of physical coercion targeting cryptocurrency holders, according to blockchain security firm CertiK. In the first half of 2026, 20 crypto-related home invasions were recorded, up from just one in the same period a year earlier.

CertiK verified 52 'wrench attacks' globally in the first half of 2026, a term describing physical coercion—such as threats or violence—to force victims to transfer cryptocurrency. France alone accounted for 33 of those incidents, solidifying its position as the epicenter of such attacks. The total financial loss from wrench attacks reached $124 million over six months, a 12-fold increase compared to the previous period.

The shift toward home invasions marks a tactical escalation. In the first half of 2025, only one crypto-related home invasion was documented. CertiK's data indicates that home invasions have now become the single most common type of wrench attack, suggesting attackers are increasingly targeting victims in their homes rather than on the street or in public spaces.

The $124 million in losses across all wrench attacks represents a sharp rise.