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

The phenomenon of wrench attacks, where individuals are coerced into giving up their digital assets, has become a pressing concern in France, with the country experiencing a notable spike in such incidents. This trend was evident during a recent international blockchain and crypto conference, where heightened security measures were put in place, including police escorts for VIP guests. According to government officials, there have been at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions in France this year, translating to approximately one incident every two to three days. Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced that new measures are being developed to tackle this issue, which has put France at the center of a global rise in wrench attacks. Security researchers and law enforcement data indicate that these attacks are becoming increasingly frequent and violent worldwide, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported globally in 2025, marking a 75% increase from the previous year. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, often because it is easier for attackers to coerce individuals rather than attempting to break encryption. Researchers note that attackers are shifting their approach from targeting technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify weaknesses. This problem is exacerbated when government officials inadvertently aid attackers, such as in a case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders being increasingly targeted based on limited or indirect signals. Cases now involve families, including children, being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents, making these attacks harder to categorize by severity. Notable cases include the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland in France, who was rescued after a police operation, and other incidents involving prolonged captivity, torture, and even waterboarding. Experts believe that both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination among attackers. After obtaining funds, attackers quickly move them into stablecoins and route them across multiple chains, making recovery more difficult. The rise of wrench attacks in France may be attributed to a combination of factors, including leaked personal data and cross-border criminal networks. As crypto asset prices increase, the potential payoff from a single attack also grows, while improvements in digital security have reduced the effectiveness of purely technical exploits. The issue of underreporting also exists, as many wrench attacks are recorded as standard robberies or home invasions without mention of crypto. To mitigate these risks, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the incentive for attackers by limiting access to funds under duress.