Bitcoin Posts Fourth Straight Monthly Loss as Crypto Crime Turns Violent
BTC falls below $78K; physical wrench attacks jump 75% with Europe now leading
The cryptocurrency market is repricing amid Fed uncertainty and broader liquidity concerns. Bitcoin has seen sustained selling pressure, with analysts pointing to outflows from spot ETFs as a key driver.
More concerning is the rise in "wrench attacks"—physical assaults targeting crypto holders. These incidents jumped 75% in 2026, with Europe now accounting for over 40% of global cases. France leads with 19 reported attacks, involving home invasions, kidnappings, and targeted threats.
The violence reflects crypto's maturation problem: as assets become more valuable and self-custody more common, holders become targets. Unlike bank accounts, cryptocurrency can be transferred immediately under duress.
Looking ahead, the week brings major crypto company earnings and US jobs data that could influence Fed policy and, by extension, risk assets like Bitcoin.
Analysis
Why This Matters
Crypto was supposed to democratize finance. Instead, it's created a new class of robbery victims who can't call their bank to reverse transactions.
Background
Bitcoin hit all-time highs above $100K in late 2025 before this extended pullback. The four-month losing streak is the longest since 2022.
Key Perspectives
Bernstein analysts see this as a short-term bear cycle, predicting Bitcoin bottoms near $60K before recovering in 2026. Security experts recommend hardware wallets and operational security.
What to Watch
US jobs data Friday could move markets. Sustained ETF outflows would signal deeper trouble.