France Becomes a Hotbed for Crypto-Related Kidnappings and Wrench Attacks

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France under the international spotlight, prompting government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and announce new measures to tackle it. At least 41 such incidents have occurred in the country this year, with one happening every two to three days. The phenomenon of wrench attacks, where physical force is used to extract access to digital assets, is on the rise globally, with a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents in 2025. Security researchers attribute this trend to the fact that coercing a person can be easier than breaking encryption, and that crypto transactions cannot be reversed once a victim authorizes a transfer under duress. As a result, attackers are increasingly targeting mid-level crypto holders, using social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify potential victims. The problem is further exacerbated when government officials inadvertently aid attackers by leaking sensitive data. To mitigate these risks, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the incentive for attackers.