The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Kidnappings in France and the Growing Threat of Wrench Attacks

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has placed France at the forefront of a global rise in wrench attacks, where individuals are coerced into relinquishing their digital assets. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, averaging one every two to three days. Government officials have expressed concern over the scale of the problem and are preparing new measures to tackle it. The trend is not limited to France, as global data reveals a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents in 2025, with many more cases likely going unreported. The use of physical force to extract access to digital assets has become a preferred method for attackers, who often target individuals rather than attempting to breach encryption. Researchers note that attackers are now building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and routines to identify points of weakness. The problem is further exacerbated by insider leaks and compromised state data, which can provide attackers with valuable information. As the pool of potential victims expands, security experts emphasize the importance of protecting real-world identity, location, and routine from being tied to visible crypto wealth. The increase in wrench attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody and the need for additional security measures, such as multi-signature setups and withdrawal delays, to reduce the risk of coercion and protect crypto holders.