A disturbing trend is unfolding in France, where a significant rise in crypto-related kidnappings has prompted heightened security measures. The country has witnessed 41 such incidents this year, occurring at a rate of roughly one every two to three days.
This shift was evident during a recent international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris, where a police motorcade escorted VIP guests to a dinner at the Palace of Versailles, and security was notably reinforced at the Carrousel du Louver, the conference venue. Government officials expressed alarm at the scale of the problem, acknowledging the need for further action. Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced that a new set of measures is being prepared to tackle the issue, including a prevention platform that has already drawn thousands of registrations. France has become the epicenter of a global rise in wrench attacks, with crypto holders being targeted in increasingly frequent and violent incidents.
According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is on the rise globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents in 2025, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, often proving easier for attackers than breaking encryption. Researchers note that attackers are now identifying victims by building profiles, tracking social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets, rather than scanning for technical vulnerabilities.
This shift has led to a wider pool of potential victims, including mid-level holders and families, with children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, as seen in a case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers.
The increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency, with some security experts recommending measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce risk.