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

A disturbing trend is unfolding in France, where crypto-related kidnappings, known as wrench attacks, are on the rise. These brazen and violent incidents have become increasingly frequent, prompting government officials to acknowledge the severity of the issue. This year alone, France has experienced at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, averaging one every two to three days. In response, Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced that new measures are being developed to tackle this growing problem, including a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations. The country has become the epicenter of a global surge in wrench attacks, with security researchers and law enforcement data indicating a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025. 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 crypto researcher Jameson Lopp, 'every time a wrench attack is successful, it tells the world that crypto owners are juicy targets.' Unlike traditional bank transfers, crypto transactions cannot be reversed, making them an attractive target for attackers. Researchers note that the way attackers identify victims has shifted from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. This shift has led to a wider pool of potential victims, including mid-level holders and families. Cases now include children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents, making the attacks harder to categorize by severity. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, such as the case of a French tax official who sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. To combat this growing threat, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of self-custody. As crypto adoption continues to grow, the frequency and severity of attacks are increasing, transforming what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.