The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Violence: France at the Epicenter

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings, known as wrench attacks, has placed France under international scrutiny. The country has experienced at least 41 such incidents this year, averaging one every two to three days. In response, the government has announced plans to introduce new measures to tackle the issue, including a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations. The phenomenon of wrench attacks, where physical force is used to gain access to digital assets, is not unique to France but has seen a significant rise globally. According to data from Certik and crypto researcher Jameson Lopp, there were 72 verified physical coercion incidents worldwide in 2025, marking 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. Security researchers note that attackers are shifting their strategy from targeting technical vulnerabilities to identifying and exploiting human weaknesses, such as tracking social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to build profiles of potential victims. The problem is complicated by cases where government officials have been involved in leaking sensitive data to attackers. The pool of potential victims has expanded beyond high-net-worth individuals to include mid-level holders and even families, with children being targeted alongside their parents. Cases have involved severe violence, including kidnapping, torture, and prolonged captivity. Experts believe that both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination among attackers. Once funds are obtained, attackers quickly move them into stablecoins and across multiple chains, making recovery difficult. The rise in wrench attacks may be attributed to a combination of factors, including leaked personal data, cross-border criminal networks, and the increasing value of crypto assets. As the crypto market grows, so does the risk 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 by limiting access to funds under duress.