The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Attacks in France and Beyond

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has placed France at the forefront of a global issue, with wrench attacks becoming increasingly brazen and violent. This year alone, the country has experienced at least 41 such incidents, prompting government officials to acknowledge the severity of the problem and announce new measures to tackle it. The trend is not limited to France, as security researchers and law enforcement data indicate a worldwide rise in these attacks. In 2025, there were 72 verified physical coercion incidents globally, representing 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 proving easier for attackers 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 routines to identify points of weakness. This shift has led to a broader range of victims, including mid-level crypto holders and even families, with children sometimes being targeted alongside their parents. Authorities and security experts are working to combat these attacks, emphasizing the importance of not tying real-world identity and location too closely to visible crypto wealth. Measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits are being recommended to reduce the risk associated with self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. As the crypto market continues to grow, so does the severity and frequency of these attacks, transforming what was once a niche concern into a significant security risk.