France Becomes Hotbed of Crypto-Related Kidnappings as 'Wrench Attacks' Intensify

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 such incidents have occurred this year, with one happening almost every two to three days. The country has become the epicenter of a global rise in wrench attacks, which involve the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, these attacks are becoming more frequent and violent worldwide. In 2025, there were 72 verified physical coercion incidents globally, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, often because it is easier to coerce a person than to break encryption. Researchers note that attackers are now 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. The pool of potential victims has widened, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted. Cases now include families, with children targeted alongside crypto-holding parents, making the attacks harder to categorize by severity. In response to the rising threat, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of self-custody. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.