The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Violence: How France Became a Hotbed for Wrench Attacks

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France under the international spotlight, prompting government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and announce new measures to tackle it. At least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions have occurred in the country this year, with some cases involving families and children. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, and it has become a significant concern for crypto holders worldwide. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is on the rise globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year. The increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency, and security experts point to measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits as ways to reduce risk.