France Becomes Epicenter of Crypto-Related Kidnappings and 'Wrench Attacks'

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings and 'wrench attacks' has put France under the international spotlight, prompting government officials to take action. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, with one occurring every two to three days. This trend is not unique to France, as security researchers and law enforcement data indicate a global rise in wrench attacks, 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 targeting crypto holders. Researchers note that attackers are shifting their approach from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness. The problem is further 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, making the attacks harder to categorize by severity. 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. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.