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

A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France at the center of a global trend, with wrench attacks becoming increasingly frequent, brazen, and violent. The country has experienced at least 41 such incidents this year, prompting government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and announce new measures to tackle it. The rise in wrench attacks is not limited to France, with global data showing a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents in 2025, and a 250% rise in cases involving physical assault. Security researchers attribute this trend to the growing ease of identifying potential victims through social media, public appearances, and leaked datasets, as well as the increasing difficulty of reversing crypto transactions once a victim has been coerced into authorizing a transfer. As a result, authorities and security experts are emphasizing the need for crypto holders to take extra precautions to protect themselves, including using multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of wrench attacks.