The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Violence: How France Became a Hotbed for Wrench Attacks

A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in increasingly brazen and violent attacks, known as wrench attacks. The country has witnessed at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions this year, with one incident occurring every two to three days. This surge in attacks has prompted government officials to take action, with Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry Jean-Didier Berger announcing a new set of measures to tackle the issue. The prevention platform has already gained thousands of registrations, but authorities acknowledge that more needs to be done to curb the rising tide of violence. 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. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is not unique to France, with a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025. The way attackers identify victims has also shifted, with a focus on building profiles and tracking routines to identify points of weakness. Researchers warn that anybody can be a potential victim, with mid-level holders and families being increasingly targeted. Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder, highlighting the severity of the threat. Experts point to measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits as ways to reduce risk, but the increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.