A surge in violent crypto-related crimes, known as wrench attacks, has placed France under international scrutiny. The country has experienced at least 41 kidnappings and home invasions tied to cryptocurrency this year, occurring at a rate of approximately one every two to three days.
This trend was highlighted during an international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris, where government officials expressed concern over the scale of the issue. Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced plans to introduce new measures to tackle the problem, including a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations.
However, authorities acknowledge that more needs to be done to address the escalating situation. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, often proving easier for attackers than attempting to break encryption. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, these attacks are becoming more frequent and violent globally, with 72 verified incidents reported in 2025, representing a 75% increase from the previous year.
The rise of wrench attacks has significant implications for the security of cryptocurrency holders, with experts warning that the trend is likely to continue as crypto adoption grows.