France Sees Surge in Crypto-Related Kidnappings and 'Wrench Attacks' as Global Trend Intensifies

A disturbing rise in crypto-related kidnappings and violent assaults, known as 'wrench attacks', has placed France at the forefront of a global issue. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, averaging one every two to three days, prompting government officials to acknowledge the severity of the problem and announce new measures to tackle it. The Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, is working with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to implement a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations. However, authorities recognize that more needs to be done as the incidents continue to escalate. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, which can be easier for attackers than attempting to break encryption. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is not limited to France, with a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025, and a 250% rise in cases involving physical assault. The ease with which crypto transactions cannot be reversed once authorized under duress, and the speed at which funds can be moved across wallets and chains, make crypto owners prime targets. 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 to identify points of weakness. The problem is further exacerbated when insiders, such as government officials, leak sensitive data to attackers. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted, sometimes based on limited signals. Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and severe violence, highlighting the need for increased security measures. Experts suggest that measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits can reduce the risk by limiting access to funds under duress. As crypto adoption grows, the frequency and severity of these attacks have turned a once niche concern into a broader security risk, raising questions about the safety of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency.