The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Kidnappings in France and the Global Increase in Wrench Attacks

A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto-related kidnappings, known as "wrench attacks," are on the rise, with the country experiencing approximately one incident every two to three days. This surge in attacks has prompted government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and announce plans to implement new measures to tackle the issue. The Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, has revealed that a prevention platform has already been launched, with thousands of registrations, but further steps are necessary to address the growing concern. The term "wrench attack" refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, and it appears that attackers are finding it easier to coerce individuals than to break encryption. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is not limited to France, with a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025. The rise in wrench attacks has significant implications for the security of crypto holders, highlighting the need for increased awareness and precautions to protect against these types of attacks. Researchers note that attackers are becoming more sophisticated, using social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify potential victims and track their routines. The biggest avoidable mistake, according to experts, is tying real-world identity, location, and routine too tightly to visible crypto wealth. The problem is further exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, as seen in a recent case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted, sometimes based on limited or indirect signals. Cases now include families, with children targeted alongside crypto-holding parents, making the attacks harder to categorize by severity. In one notable case, Ledger co-founder David Balland was kidnapped in France, and his finger was severed as part of a ransom demand. Other cases have involved prolonged captivity and torture, highlighting the brutal nature of these attacks. Security experts, such as Jameson Lopp and Phil Ariss, note that both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination and pre-planning. After obtaining funds, attackers tend to move quickly, converting crypto assets into stablecoins and routing them across multiple chains, making recovery more difficult. The rise in wrench attacks may be attributed to a mix of factors, including rising asset prices, improvements in digital security, and the increased potential payoff from a single attack. The issue of underreporting is also a concern, as many incidents are recorded as standard robberies or home invasions, without mentioning the crypto element. To mitigate the risks, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the incentive for attackers. As crypto adoption grows, the frequency and severity of attacks are becoming a broader security risk, turning what was once a niche concern into a major issue that requires attention and action from authorities and individuals alike.