A surge in crypto-related kidnappings, known as 'wrench attacks', has put France at the center of a global trend. These attacks, which involve the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, have become increasingly frequent and violent.
Government officials have expressed concern over the scale of the problem, with at least 41 incidents reported this year, equivalent to one every two to three days. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the global trend is also on the rise, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, 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 identifying victims by building profiles, tracking social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets, rather than scanning for technical vulnerabilities. This shift has led to a wider pool of potential victims, including mid-level holders and families, with children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents. In some cases, attackers have received help from government officials, exacerbating the problem.
The increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency, and security experts are pointing to measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits as ways to reduce risk.