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 a surge of violent wrench attacks. These incidents, which involve the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, have become increasingly frequent and brazen. The country has witnessed at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions so far this year, prompting government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and announce new measures to tackle it. The rise of wrench attacks in France is part of a broader global trend, with security researchers and law enforcement data showing a significant increase in such incidents. In 2025, there were 72 verified physical coercion incidents worldwide, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, often because it is easier to coerce a person than to break encryption. Unlike traditional bank transfers, crypto transactions cannot be reversed, making it difficult to recover stolen funds. Researchers say that attackers are now using more sophisticated methods to identify victims, including building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials or other sources. 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. The increase in wrench 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 the risk of wrench attacks. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.