The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Violence: How France Became a Hotbed for Wrench Attacks

A disturbing trend is sweeping France, as crypto holders fall prey to an increasing number of violent wrench attacks. The country has witnessed a staggering 41 kidnappings and home invasions related to cryptocurrency this year alone, prompting government officials to take action. The issue has become so dire that it was addressed at a recent international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris, where security was noticeably heightened. According to Jean-Didier Berger, Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, a new set of measures is being developed 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 curb the rising tide of wrench attacks. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, often because it is easier to coerce a person than to break encryption. Security researchers and law enforcement data indicate that these attacks are becoming more frequent and violent globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. The trend is exacerbated by the fact that crypto transactions cannot be reversed, allowing attackers to quickly move funds across wallets and chains once a victim authorizes a transfer under duress. Researchers note that attackers are shifting their strategy from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness. The problem is further complicated when government officials are complicit in the attacks, such as in a widely reported case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted. Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and severe violence, highlighting the need for increased security measures. Experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of wrench attacks by limiting access to funds under duress. As crypto adoption grows, the frequency and severity of these attacks are likely to increase, underscoring the need for a concerted effort to combat this emerging security risk.