The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Kidnappings in France and the Growing Threat of Wrench Attacks

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France at the center of a global rise in wrench attacks, with at least 41 incidents reported this year, prompting government officials to take action. The country has become a hotspot for these attacks, which are becoming increasingly frequent, brazen, and violent. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is also 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 for some attackers, it is easier to coerce a person than to break encryption. Researchers say that the way attackers identify victims has also changed, with a shift from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. The problem is exacerbated when attackers get a helping hand from government officials, and the pool of potential victims has widened, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted. The increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency, and some security experts point to measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits as ways to reduce risk.