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

A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in a wave of kidnappings and home invasions, known as wrench attacks, which involve the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets. This year alone, the country has seen at least 41 such incidents, prompting government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and announce new measures to tackle it. According to Jean-Didier Berger, Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, a prevention platform has already been launched, but further steps are needed to address the growing issue. The rise in wrench attacks is not limited to France, with security researchers and law enforcement data showing a global increase in such incidents. In 2025, there were 72 verified physical coercion incidents worldwide, 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 say that attackers are now using more sophisticated methods to identify victims, including building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. They also track routines and identify points of weakness, making it easier to target crypto holders. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, as seen in a recent case in France where a tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. The pool of potential victims has widened, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted, sometimes based on limited or indirect signals. Cases now include families, with children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents, making the attacks harder to categorize by severity. In some instances, attacks have involved prolonged captivity and torture, such as a case in New York where a crypto investor was held for more than two weeks. Security experts point to measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits as ways to reduce risk by limiting how much can be accessed under duress. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.