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Crypto criminals are increasingly bypassing sophisticated digital security and targeting the person who controls the wallet.

More than $30 million has been stolen through violent crypto attacks so far in 2026, according to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis. That puts this year on course to surpass the record $58 million stolen in 2025.

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Crypto traders seek out extra security as kidnappings rise
Violent crypto attacks rise as criminals hunt bigger payouts

Known as “wrench attacks”, these crimes involve violence or the threat of violence to force crypto owners to unlock their wallets or transfer assets to addresses controlled by…