Physical violence in the crypto world: CertiK records a record increase in wrench attacks, home invasions become the main threat
In the first half of this year, CertiK analysts recorded 52 incidents classified as wrench attacks. These involve physical violence or threats aimed at forcing a crypto asset owner to grant access to their funds. The figures show an alarming trend: the total number of such attacks increased by 33% compared to the same period last year.
The sharpest increase occurred in the category of home invasions. While such cases were previously rare (just one incident), their number has now reached 20. This means attackers are increasingly moving from street robberies or cyberattacks to targeted home intrusions, where the victim is in a highly vulnerable position.
The financial scale of the threat is also concerning. The total value of assets associated with the recorded incidents amounted to $124.1 million. Notably, the geographic distribution of attacks is uneven: 33 cases occurred in France, making the country the epicenter of physical crypto violence in the first half of the year.
The rise in home invasions is a signal for the entire community. Traditional security measures, such as using hardware wallets or complex passwords, prove useless when a criminal is inside your home. We are witnessing an evolution of threats: from exchange hacks and phishing to brute physical force.
Expert commentary: The trend of increasing physical attacks is a direct consequence of the rising value of Bitcoin and criminals' realization that digital assets cannot be "frozen" or reversed after transfer. I recommend that all major holders reassess their personal security protocols: use multi-signature wallets with time delays, avoid publicly disclosing "whale" status, and, if possible, diversify asset storage across multiple jurisdictions. Your physical safety is now the first line of defense for your capital.