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

A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto-related kidnappings have become increasingly frequent and violent, prompting government officials to take action. The country has seen at least 41 such incidents this year, equivalent to roughly one every two to three days. This surge in wrench attacks, which involve using physical force to extract access to digital assets, has put France under the international spotlight. The issue is not limited to France, as security researchers and law enforcement data indicate that attacks on crypto holders are becoming more frequent and violent globally. 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 gain access to digital assets, often because it is easier to coerce a person than to break encryption. According to crypto researcher Jameson Lopp, 'every time a wrench attack is successful, it tells the world that crypto owners are juicy targets.' Unlike traditional bank transfers, crypto transactions cannot be reversed, making it easier for attackers to quickly move funds across wallets and chains once a victim authorizes a transfer under duress. Researchers note that attackers are shifting from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness. The biggest avoidable mistake, according to Phil Ariss of TRM Labs, is tying real-world identity, location, and routine too closely to visible crypto wealth. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information, such as 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 and even families being targeted. Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and severe violence, including the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland in France. Both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination. After obtaining funds, attackers quickly move them, often converting them into stablecoins and routing them across multiple chains to make recovery difficult. France's role in this trend may be attributed to a mix of factors, including leaked personal data and cross-border criminal networks. Rising asset prices 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 wrench 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 access to funds under duress.