Physical crimes against crypto holders surge, with losses reaching $30M in H1

Physical crimes directly targeting cryptocurrency holders are rising sharply, with $30 million in crypto stolen globally through violent attacks in the first half of 2026, according to a recent Chainalysis report. The figure covers only cases in which forced transfers of stolen assets were successfully completed. Chainalysis found the actual scale of losses was likely larger when including attempted crimes and ransom demands. The report also said incidents involving the abduction or intimidation of family members or acquaintances, rather than direct attacks on holders themselves, accounted for around 25% to 30% of the total. Investigative authorities are actively using on-chain analysis techniques in response.