A surge in crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, known as 'wrench attacks,' has put France under the international spotlight. Government officials have expressed alarm at the scale of the problem, with at least 41 incidents reported this year, equivalent to one every two to three days. Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced that new measures are being prepared to tackle the issue, including a prevention platform that has already drawn thousands of registrations. However, authorities acknowledge that further steps are needed as incidents continue to rise.
The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, often targeting crypto holders who are seen as 'juicy targets' by attackers. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is on the rise globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year. The way attackers identify victims has also shifted, with a focus on building profiles, tracking social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness. Researchers warn that anybody can be a potential victim, with mid-level holders and families, including children, being increasingly targeted.
Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder, highlighting the need for increased security measures and awareness. 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.