A worrying trend is unfolding in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in a growing number of kidnappings and home invasions, known as 'wrench attacks'. These incidents, which involve the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, have become more frequent, brazen, and violent. This year alone, France has seen at least 41 such cases, averaging about one every two to three days.
The country's authorities have stepped up security, and government officials have expressed alarm at the scale of the problem. A prevention platform has been launched, but more measures are needed to tackle the issue. The global trend is also on the rise, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, often because it is easier to coerce a person than to break encryption.
Researchers note that attackers are shifting from targeting technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials. The pool of potential victims has widened, with mid-level holders being targeted, and cases now include families with children.
Anybody can be a potential victim, and cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder. Experts believe that both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination.
After obtaining funds, attackers tend to move quickly, converting crypto assets into stablecoins and routing them across multiple chains, making recovery more difficult. France's role in this trend may reflect a mix of factors, including leaked personal data and cross-border criminal networks. Rising asset prices have increased the potential payoff from a single attack, while improvements in digital security have reduced the effectiveness of purely technical exploits. The increase in 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 risk by limiting how much can be accessed under duress.