Crypto crime is getting violent: ‘wrench attacks’ jumped 75% in 2026

The issue of crypto-related crime has escalated to alarming levels, with a significant increase in violent incidents associated with these illegal activities. Notably, reports indicate that the number of so-called "wrench attacks," where criminals physically threaten or assault individuals to gain access to their cryptocurrency wallets or assets, surged by an astonishing 75% in 2026. This troubling trend highlights the growing risks and dangers that come with the rising prevalence of digital currencies and the lengths to which some individuals are willing to go to exploit vulnerabilities in the system. source: https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/02/crypto-crime-is-getting-violent-wrench-attacks-jumped-75-in-2026