The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Attacks in France and Beyond

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, known as wrench attacks, has put France at the center of a global issue. These attacks, which involve the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, have become more frequent and violent. According to government officials, at least 41 such incidents have occurred in France this year, translating to roughly one every two to three days. In response, the French government is preparing new measures to tackle the problem, including a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations. The trend is not limited to France, with security researchers and law enforcement data indicating a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025. The ease of coercing individuals to access their crypto assets, rather than attempting to break encryption, has made crypto holders 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 routines to identify points of weakness. The problem is further complicated by insider leaks and compromised state data, which can provide attackers with valuable information. As the pool of potential victims expands to include mid-level holders and even families, authorities and security experts are emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and the implementation of measures such as multi-signature setups and withdrawal delays to reduce the risk of wrench attacks.