The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Kidnappings in France

A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in a wave of kidnappings and home invasions, known as 'wrench attacks'. These incidents have become more frequent, brazen, and violent, with the country experiencing at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings this year, equivalent to roughly one every two to three days. The French government has taken notice, with Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announcing plans to introduce new measures to tackle the growing issue. A prevention platform has already been launched, but authorities acknowledge that more needs to be done to address the problem. The rise in wrench attacks is not unique to France, with a global increase in physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, totaling 72 verified cases, a 75% rise from the previous year. Crypto researcher Jameson Lopp notes that many more cases go unreported, and the trend is likely to continue as crypto adoption grows. 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. Once a victim authorizes a transfer under duress, the funds can be quickly moved across wallets and chains, making recovery difficult. Researchers have observed a shift in the way attackers identify victims, from targeting technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. This shift has led to mid-level crypto holders being targeted, sometimes based on limited or indirect signals. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, as seen in a recent case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. The pool of potential victims has widened, with families, including children, being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents. High-profile cases, such as the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland, have highlighted the severity of the issue. Other cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and even waterboarding and sexual violence. Security experts, including Lopp and Phil Ariss of TRM Labs, believe that both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination and pre-planning. After obtaining funds, attackers tend to move quickly, converting crypto assets into stablecoins and routing them across multiple chains, making recovery more difficult. France's role in this trend may be attributed to a mix of factors, including leaked personal data and cross-border criminal networks. Rising asset prices have increased the potential payoff from a single attack, while improvements in digital security have reduced the effectiveness of purely technical exploits. The increase in 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 risk by limiting how much can be accessed under duress. As crypto adoption continues to grow, it is essential to address the growing security risk posed by wrench attacks.