A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in a rising number of kidnappings and home invasions, known as wrench attacks. This year alone, the country has seen at least 41 such incidents, prompting government officials to take action.
The problem is not limited to France, as security researchers and law enforcement data indicate a global increase in wrench attacks, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, a 75% rise from the previous year. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, and it is becoming a major concern for crypto owners. According to experts, 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.
The biggest mistake crypto owners can make is tying their real-world identity, location, and routine too closely to their visible crypto wealth. 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, making it harder to categorize the attacks by severity. Experts point to measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits as ways to reduce the risk of wrench attacks by limiting access to funds under duress.
As crypto adoption grows, the frequency and severity of attacks are increasing, turning a once niche concern into a broader security risk.