A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions have become increasingly frequent and violent. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, prompting government officials to sound the alarm and vow to take action.
This surge in wrench attacks, which involve the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, has put France at the center of a global phenomenon. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, these attacks are becoming more common and more brutal worldwide, with a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to coerce individuals into granting access to their digital assets, often because it is easier than attempting to break encryption. As crypto transactions cannot be reversed, once a victim authorizes a transfer under duress, the funds can be quickly moved across wallets and chains.
Researchers note that attackers are now more likely to 'hunt a person' rather than simply scanning for technical vulnerabilities, using social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to build profiles and identify points of weakness. This shift has led to mid-level crypto holders being targeted, sometimes based on limited or indirect signals, and has resulted in a widening pool of potential victims.
The problem is further complicated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, as seen in a high-profile case in France where a tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. The attacks have become more organized, with some groups operating with defined roles and pre-planning, including surveillance and follow-home tactics.
After obtaining funds, attackers often move quickly, converting crypto assets into stablecoins and routing them across multiple chains to make recovery more difficult. France's role in this trend may be attributed to a combination of factors, including leaked personal data and cross-border criminal networks. The increasing value of crypto assets has made these attacks more lucrative, while improvements in digital security have reduced the effectiveness of purely technical exploits.
As a result, wrench attacks may be significantly underreported, with many incidents recorded as standard robberies or home invasions without mention of crypto. This has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency, and has led some security experts to recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce risk. As crypto adoption continues to grow, the frequency and severity of these attacks are likely to increase, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.