France is grappling with a disturbing increase in crypto-related kidnappings, known as "wrench attacks," which have become more brazen and violent. The country has become the focal point of a global rise in such attacks, with at least 41 incidents reported this year, translating to one every two to three days.
Government officials have expressed alarm at the scale of the problem and are preparing new measures to tackle it. A prevention platform has already been launched, but further steps are needed as incidents continue to escalate.
The term "wrench attack" refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, which can be easier for attackers than breaking encryption. Researchers note that the way attackers identify victims has shifted from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. Attackers seek points of weakness, and the biggest avoidable mistake is tying real-world identity, location, and routine too closely to visible crypto wealth. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials.
The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted. Cases now include families, with children targeted alongside crypto-holding parents, making the attacks harder to categorize by severity. 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.