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

France has become the focal point of a global uptick in wrench attacks, which involve the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets. The country has experienced a significant rise in crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, with authorities reporting at least 41 incidents so far this year. This trend is not limited to France, as security researchers and law enforcement data indicate that attacks on crypto holders are becoming more frequent and violent worldwide. In 2025, there were 72 verified physical coercion incidents globally, representing 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 for some attackers, it is easier to coerce a person than to break encryption. 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. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted. Cases now include families, with children targeted alongside crypto-holding parents, making the attacks harder to categorize by severity. To mitigate the risk of wrench attacks, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to limit how much can be accessed under duress.