The Alarming Rise of Crypto-Related Kidnappings in France and the Growing Threat of Wrench Attacks

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France at the forefront of a global rise in wrench attacks, prompting government officials to take action. This year alone, the country has seen at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, with one incident occurring every two to three days. The French government is preparing new measures to tackle the issue, including a prevention platform that has already drawn thousands of registrations. However, authorities acknowledge that further steps are needed as incidents continue to rise. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, and researchers say the trend is on the rise globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year. Attackers are becoming more sophisticated, using social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify victims and track their routines. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, and the pool of potential victims has widened to include mid-level holders. Cases have involved families, with children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents, and have included prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder. Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of wrench attacks, but the increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.