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

France is grappling with a significant increase in crypto-related kidnappings, known as 'wrench attacks,' which have become more brazen and violent. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, translating to roughly one every two to three days. This disturbing trend was highlighted during an international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris, where government officials acknowledged the scale of the problem and announced plans to implement new measures to tackle it. A prevention platform has already been launched, but authorities concede that more needs to be done to curb the rising number of attacks. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, often because it is easier to coerce a person than to bypass encryption. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is not unique to France, with a global rise in wrench attacks reported. In 2025, there were 72 verified physical coercion incidents worldwide, marking a 75% increase from the previous year. The number of cases involving physical assault rose by 250% year-over-year. Researchers note that attackers now focus on identifying vulnerabilities in individuals rather than just scanning for technical weaknesses. They build profiles of potential victims by monitoring social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. The problem is further complicated when government officials inadvertently aid attackers by leaking sensitive information. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted. Cases now include families, with children being targeted alongside their crypto-holding parents, making it challenging to categorize the severity of the attacks. In some instances, attackers have resorted to prolonged captivity, torture, and even severing body parts to extort crypto assets from their victims. Security experts warn that both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination among the latter. After obtaining funds, attackers quickly move the crypto assets, often converting them into stablecoins and routing them across multiple chains to evade recovery. France's role in this trend may be attributed to a combination of factors, including cases involving leaked personal data and cross-border criminal networks. The rising value of crypto assets has increased the potential payoff for attackers, while improvements in digital security have reduced the effectiveness of purely technical exploits. As a result, wrench attacks have become a more attractive option for criminals. However, the true extent of the problem may be underreported, as many incidents are recorded as standard robberies or home invasions without mentioning the crypto element. The surge in attacks has raised questions about the risks associated with self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of wrench attacks by limiting access to funds under duress. As crypto adoption continues to grow, the frequency and severity of attacks are likely to increase, transforming what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.