The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Attacks in France and Beyond

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France at the forefront of a global issue, with wrench attacks becoming increasingly frequent, 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. The trend is also rising 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, which can be easier for attackers than breaking encryption. As crypto transactions cannot be reversed, once a victim authorizes a transfer under duress, the funds can be quickly moved across wallets and chains. Researchers note that attackers are shifting from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and routines to identify points of weakness. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information, such as leaked datasets or compromised state data. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders being targeted, and cases now include families with children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents. Experts point to measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits as ways to reduce risk by limiting access to funds under duress. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, turning a niche concern into a broader security risk.