A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in a rising number of kidnappings and home invasions, known as wrench attacks. This year alone, the country has seen at least 41 such incidents, prompting government officials to take action. The problem is not limited to France, as security researchers and law enforcement data indicate a global rise in wrench attacks, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, and researchers say the way attackers identify victims has shifted from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets.
Authorities and security experts are working to combat the threat, with measures such as prevention platforms and increased security at crypto events. However, the problem is complex, and the rise of wrench attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, making it essential to find effective solutions to protect crypto holders and prevent these violent crimes.