France Becomes Hotbed of Crypto-Related Kidnappings and 'Wrench Attacks'

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings, known as 'wrench attacks', has put France under the international spotlight, prompting government officials to take action. The country has experienced at least 41 such incidents this year, with one occurring every two to three days. The attacks involve the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, with many cases going unreported. According to security researchers, the trend is on the rise globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents in 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to coerce individuals into revealing their crypto assets, which can then be quickly transferred across wallets and chains. Researchers note that attackers are shifting their focus from technical vulnerabilities to identifying points of weakness in individuals, such as social media activity and public appearances. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials. The pool of potential victims has widened, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted. Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder. Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of wrench attacks. As crypto adoption grows, the frequency and severity of these attacks are increasing, turning a niche concern into a broader security risk.