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

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France at the center of a global trend, with at least 41 incidents reported this year, averaging one every two to three days. The country's government has taken notice, with officials speaking out about the issue at a recent blockchain and crypto conference in Paris. 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 seen thousands of registrations. The rise in wrench attacks, which involve using physical force to gain access to digital assets, is not unique to France, with global incidents increasing by 75% in 2025, according to data from Certik and crypto researcher Jameson Lopp. The trend is attributed to the fact that crypto transactions cannot be reversed, making them an attractive target for attackers. Researchers note that attackers are shifting from targeting technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, using social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness. The problem is further complicated by cases of insider leaks and compromised state data, which can provide attackers with valuable information. As the pool of potential victims expands to include mid-level holders, security experts warn that anybody can be a target, with cases involving families and children becoming increasingly common. The use of physical coercion, including torture and violence, is also on the rise, making it harder to categorize attacks by severity. Experts point to the need for increased awareness and security measures, such as multi-signature setups and spending limits, to reduce the risk of wrench attacks. As crypto adoption grows, the threat of these attacks is becoming a broader security concern, prompting calls for greater vigilance and cooperation between authorities and the crypto community.