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

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, known as wrench attacks, has put France at the forefront of a global issue. The country has experienced at least 41 such incidents this year, prompting government officials to take action. A new set of measures is being prepared to tackle the problem, which has seen a significant increase in frequency and violence. The trend is not limited to France, with security researchers and law enforcement data showing a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025. The use of physical force to extract access to digital assets has become a major concern, with attackers often targeting mid-level holders and using social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify victims. The problem is exacerbated by insider leaks and compromised state data, which can feed directly into wrench attacks. As crypto adoption grows, the risk of self-custody has become a major concern, with security experts recommending measures such as multi-signature setups and withdrawal delays to reduce the risk of attacks.