The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Kidnappings in France and Beyond

A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being increasingly targeted in violent kidnappings, known as 'wrench attacks.' These incidents have become so frequent and brazen that they have caught the attention of government officials, who are now taking steps to address the issue. This year alone, France has seen at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, which translates to roughly one every two to three days. The country's Interior Ministry is preparing a new set of measures to tackle the problem, including a prevention platform that has already drawn 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 extract access to digital assets, and it is becoming a growing concern globally. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the number of verified physical coercion incidents has increased by 75% in 2025, with many more cases going unreported. The trend is not limited to France, as attacks on crypto holders are becoming more frequent and violent worldwide. Researchers point out that attackers are now focusing on identifying vulnerabilities in individuals rather than exploiting technical weaknesses. They build profiles of potential victims by tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. The problem is further exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials or other sources. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted. In some cases, children have been kidnapped alongside their crypto-holding parents, making the attacks harder to categorize by severity. The increase in wrench attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of attacks. While these measures do not eliminate the threat entirely, they can reduce the incentive for attackers by limiting access to funds. As crypto adoption continues to grow, it is essential to address the rising threat of wrench attacks and take proactive steps to protect crypto holders from these violent and devastating crimes.