Crypto Holders Under Siege: The Alarming Rise of Wrench Attacks in France

A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in a surge of wrench attacks, characterized by the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets. These attacks have become more frequent, with at least 41 incidents reported this year, prompting government officials to take action. According to Jean-Didier Berger, Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, a new set of measures is being prepared to tackle the issue, including a prevention platform that has already drawn thousands of registrations. The rise in wrench attacks is not limited to France, with a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025, according to data from Certik and crypto researcher Jameson Lopp. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, and for some attackers, it is easier to coerce a person than to break encryption. Researchers say that attackers are now building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, as seen in a case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. The pool of potential victims has widened, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted, and cases now include families with children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents. The attacks have become more severe, with cases involving prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder. Security experts point to measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits as ways to reduce risk by limiting 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.