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

A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being increasingly targeted by perpetrators of wrench attacks, a form of physical coercion used to gain access to digital assets. This shift was evident during a recent international blockchain and crypto conference, where heightened security measures were put in place to protect VIP guests. The French government has expressed concern over the rising number of crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, with at least 41 incidents reported this year, translating to approximately one every two to three days. Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced that new measures are being developed to tackle the issue, including a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations. However, authorities acknowledge that further steps are necessary to combat the growing problem. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, often proving easier for attackers than attempting to break encryption. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is not limited to France, with a global rise in wrench attacks reported. In 2025, there were 72 verified physical coercion incidents worldwide, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. Many more cases are believed to go unreported. Researchers note that attackers are now focusing on identifying vulnerabilities in individuals rather than technical weaknesses, with a shift from 'find a wallet' to 'hunt a person'. They build profiles of potential victims, tracking social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive assistance 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 increasingly being targeted. Cases now include families, with children being 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. Security experts believe that both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination. After obtaining funds, attackers tend to 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 cases involving leaked personal data and cross-border criminal networks. The rising prices of crypto assets 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. Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce risk by limiting how much can be accessed under duress.