Home invasions have become a major threat: analysis of wrench attacks in the first half of the year
In the first six months of this year, 52 incidents classified as wrench attacks — physical assaults aimed at forcing cryptocurrency owners to transfer their assets — were recorded. The number of such cases increased by 33% compared to the same period last year, indicating a systemic escalation of the threat.
The most alarming trend is a sharp increase in home invasions. While such cases were previously rare (only one in the same period last year), their number has now reached 20. This suggests that attackers have shifted from street assaults to more planned and dangerous operations, where the victim is completely isolated and under control.
The total amount involved in these incidents is estimated at $124.1 million. This includes not only direct losses but also indirect damage — a decline in trust in decentralized finance and rising costs of personal security. Geographically, France leads with 33 attacks, which may be linked to a high concentration of the crypto community and insufficient physical protection of assets.
Expert commentary: The rise in home invasions is a signal to the market. Cold wallets and multi-signatures will not protect you if an attacker stands behind you with a weapon. Investors should consider asset diversification and the use of services with time-delayed withdrawals, as well as physical security — from video surveillance systems to panic buttons. This is not paranoia, but a new reality.