(July 21): Crypto criminals are increasingly targeting people, not just digital wallets, as violent attacks climb globally.

So-called wrench attacks — where criminals use violence to coerce victims to hand over cryptocurrency — have accelerated this year, according to a new report by blockchain security firm CertiK, which tracks cyber threats and security incidents in the digital asset industry. CertiK verified 52 physical attacks against digital asset holders globally in the first half of 2026, up 33% from a year earlier. France, with 33 attacks, accounted for nearly two-thirds of publicly reported cases.

The report is based on verified, publicly reported incidents identified through law enforcement disclosures, court documents,…