France Sees Alarming Rise in Crypto-Related Kidnappings and Wrench Attacks

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France at the forefront of a global rise in wrench attacks, with authorities reporting at least 41 such incidents this year. The trend is marked by increasing frequency, brazenness, and violence. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the country has become the epicenter of these attacks, which involve the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets. The rise in wrench attacks has prompted the French government to prepare new measures to tackle the issue, including a prevention platform that has already drawn thousands of registrations. Globally, the number of verified physical coercion incidents has increased by 75% in 2025, with many more cases going unreported. Researchers note that attackers are shifting their approach 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 exacerbated by insider leaks and compromised state data, which can feed directly into wrench attacks. As the pool of potential victims widens, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of self-custody. The increasing frequency and severity of wrench attacks have raised questions about the risks of self-custody and the need for stronger security measures to protect cryptocurrency holders.