A surge in violent attacks on cryptocurrency holders, known as 'wrench attacks,' has put France under the international spotlight. The country has experienced at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions so far this year, prompting government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and prepare new measures to tackle it. This phenomenon is not unique to France, as security researchers and law enforcement data indicate a global rise in such incidents.
In 2025, there were 72 verified cases of physical coercion worldwide, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. The trend is alarming, with cases involving physical assault rising by 250% year-over-year. 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 attackers are shifting their approach from targeting technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness. This shift has led to a wider pool of potential victims, including mid-level holders and even families with children.
The problem is further complicated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, as seen in a notable case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. To combat these attacks, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of self-custody. As cryptocurrency adoption grows, the frequency and severity of these attacks are increasing, turning a once niche concern into a broader security risk.