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

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has placed France under international scrutiny, prompting government officials to acknowledge the scale of the issue and implement new security measures. The country has experienced at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions this year, occurring at a rate of approximately one every two to three days. Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced that a prevention platform has been established, with thousands of registrations, but emphasized that further actions are necessary to address the rising incidents. The global trend of wrench attacks, which involve the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, is also increasing, with 72 verified incidents reported in 2025, representing a 75% rise from the previous year. Security researchers and law enforcement data indicate that attacks on crypto holders are becoming more frequent and violent, with many cases going unreported. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical coercion to extract access to digital assets, often targeting individuals rather than attempting to break encryption. Researchers note that attackers are shifting their approach from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness. 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 expanded, with mid-level holders being targeted, and cases now include families with children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents. Notable cases include the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland in France, who was rescued after a police operation, and other incidents involving prolonged captivity, torture, and violence. Experts suggest that both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination and pre-planning. After obtaining funds, attackers often move quickly, converting crypto assets into stablecoins and routing them across multiple chains, making recovery more difficult. France's role in this trend may be attributed to a mix of factors, including 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, and security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce risk by limiting access to funds under duress.