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

A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in violent attacks known as 'wrench attacks', which involve using physical force to gain access to digital assets. This year alone, the country has seen at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, prompting government officials to take action. The problem is not unique to France, as global data shows a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents in 2025, with many more cases likely going unreported. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, and researchers say that attackers are becoming more sophisticated, using social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify potential victims. The way attackers identify victims has also changed, with a shift from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles and tracking routines to identify points of weakness. Unlike traditional bank transfers, crypto transactions cannot be reversed, making it easier for attackers to quickly move funds across wallets and chains. The pool of potential victims has widened, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted, and cases now include families, with children targeted alongside crypto-holding parents. To reduce the risk of wrench attacks, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits, which can limit 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.