The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Attacks: How France Became a Hotbed

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has brought France to the forefront of a global issue, with the country experiencing a notable increase in wrench attacks. These attacks, which involve the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, have become more frequent and violent. The problem has prompted government officials to take action, with a new set of measures being prepared to tackle the issue. A prevention platform has already been launched, but authorities acknowledge that more needs to be done to address the growing concern. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical coercion to extract access to digital assets, and it has become a major concern for crypto holders. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is on the rise globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year. The attacks often involve the use of physical force, with cases of assault rising by 250% year-over-year. Researchers say that attackers are now focusing on identifying vulnerable individuals, rather than just scanning for technical vulnerabilities. They use social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to track routines and identify points of weakness. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive help from government officials, such as in cases where sensitive data is sold to them. The pool of potential victims has widened, with mid-level holders being targeted, and cases now include families with children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents. The attacks have become more sophisticated, with organized groups involved, and the use of surveillance and follow-home tactics. After obtaining funds, attackers tend to move quickly, converting the crypto assets into stablecoins and routing them across multiple chains, making recovery more difficult. France's role in this trend may be due 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 attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. Security experts point to measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits as ways to reduce risk by limiting how much can be accessed under duress.