The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Kidnappings in France and the Growing Threat of Wrench Attacks

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has placed France at the forefront of a global issue, with wrench attacks becoming increasingly frequent, brazen, and violent. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, occurring at a rate of approximately one every two to three days. This trend was highlighted during a recent international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris, where government officials expressed concern over the scale of the problem. Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced plans to implement new measures to tackle the growing issue, including a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations. However, authorities acknowledge that further steps are necessary as incidents continue to rise. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, often proving easier for attackers than breaking encryption. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is on the rise globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. Many more cases are believed to go unreported. The way attackers identify victims has also shifted, with a focus on building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. Researchers emphasize that the biggest avoidable mistake is tying real-world identity, location, and routine too closely to visible crypto wealth. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, as seen in a widely reported case involving a French tax official. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted. Cases now include families, with children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents, making the attacks harder to categorize by severity. Notable cases include the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland in France, who was rescued after a police operation, and other incidents involving prolonged captivity and torture. Security experts note that both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination. After obtaining funds, attackers tend to move quickly, frequently converting crypto assets into stablecoins and routing them across multiple chains, making recovery more difficult. France's role in this trend may be attributed to a mix of factors, including cases involving leaked personal data and cross-border criminal networks. Rising asset prices have increased the potential payoff from a single attack, while improvements in digital security have reduced the effectiveness of purely technical exploits. The increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce risk by limiting access to funds under duress.