A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France at the forefront of a global rise in wrench attacks, with at least 41 incidents reported this year. The country's authorities are taking measures to tackle the issue, including the launch of a prevention platform. The trend is not limited to France, with security researchers and law enforcement data showing a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025.
The use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, known as wrench attacks, is becoming more frequent and violent. Researchers say attackers are shifting their focus from technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and routines to identify points of weakness.
The problem is exacerbated by insider leaks and compromised state data, with some government officials selling sensitive information to attackers. The pool of potential victims has widened, with mid-level holders and families being targeted.
Experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of wrench attacks.