The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Violence: France at the Epicenter

A disturbing trend is unfolding in France, where crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions have become increasingly frequent, brazen, and violent. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, prompting government officials to acknowledge the severity of the issue and pledge to take action. This surge in attacks, known as 'wrench attacks,' has placed France under the international spotlight, with security researchers and law enforcement data indicating a global rise in these crimes. 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. According to Certik and crypto researcher Jameson Lopp's data, there were 72 verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. The trend is not only on the rise but also becoming more violent, with cases involving physical assault increasing by 250% year-over-year. Attackers are shifting their approach from targeting technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness. Researchers warn that anybody can be a potential victim, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted based on limited or indirect signals. Cases have involved families, with 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, as seen in a case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. The pool of potential victims has widened, and the attacks are becoming more organized, with some groups operating with defined roles and pre-planning, including surveillance and follow-home tactics. After obtaining funds, attackers quickly move the crypto assets, often converting them into stablecoins and routing them across multiple chains, making recovery more difficult. The role of France in this trend may reflect a mix of factors, including cases involving leaked personal data and cross-border criminal networks. Rising asset prices have increased the potential payoff from a single attack, while improvements in digital security have reduced the effectiveness of purely technical exploits. The increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce risk by limiting how much can be accessed under duress. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.