The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Kidnappings in France and the Global Surge in Wrench Attacks

A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in a rising number of kidnappings and home invasions, known as wrench attacks, prompting government officials to take action. This year alone, France has experienced at least 41 such incidents, averaging nearly one every two to three days. The country's Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, has announced plans to implement new measures to tackle the issue, including a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations. However, despite these efforts, the problem persists, with security researchers and law enforcement data indicating a global increase in wrench attacks. In 2025, there were 72 verified physical coercion incidents worldwide, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, often proving easier for attackers than attempting to break encryption. According to crypto researcher Jameson Lopp, every successful wrench attack sends a message that crypto owners are vulnerable targets. Unlike traditional bank transfers, crypto transactions are irreversible, allowing attackers to quickly move funds across wallets and chains once a victim is coerced into authorizing a transfer. Researchers have observed a shift in the way attackers identify victims, moving from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. They look for points of weakness, such as routines and real-world identities tied to visible crypto wealth. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, as seen in a 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, such as the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland in France, who was rescued after a police operation. Security experts note that both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination and pre-planning. After obtaining funds, attackers often convert them into stablecoins and route them across multiple chains, making 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. 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 wrench attacks has raised concerns 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 access to funds under duress. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, transforming what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.