Crypto-Related Violence Surges in France, With 41 Kidnappings This Year

France is grappling with a surge in crypto-related kidnappings, known as 'wrench attacks', which have become increasingly brazen and violent. This year alone, the country has seen at least 41 such incidents, equivalent to roughly one every two to three days. The French government has taken notice, with officials acknowledging the scale of the problem and announcing new measures to tackle it. A prevention platform has already been launched, but authorities admit that more needs to be done to address the growing issue. The rise in wrench attacks is not limited to France, with global data showing a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents in 2025, and a 250% rise in cases involving physical assault. Researchers point to a shift in the way attackers identify victims, from targeting technical vulnerabilities to building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. The use of physical force to extract access to digital assets has become a lucrative tactic for attackers, who often find it easier to coerce a person than to break encryption. Once a victim authorizes a transfer under duress, the funds can be quickly moved across wallets and chains, making recovery difficult. Experts warn that anybody can be a potential victim, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted. Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and severe violence, highlighting the need for increased security measures and awareness. The problem is exacerbated by insider leaks and compromised state data, which can feed directly into wrench attacks. As crypto adoption grows, so does the risk of such attacks, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk. To mitigate this risk, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the incentive for attackers.