The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Violence: How France Became a Hotspot

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France at the forefront of a global issue, with wrench attacks becoming increasingly brazen and violent. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, prompting government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and prepare new measures to tackle it. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is on the rise globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, and researchers say attackers are now building profiles of potential victims by tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, and the pool of potential victims has widened to include mid-level holders and even families. 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.