A surge in crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions has put France at the forefront of a global rise in wrench attacks, prompting government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and announce new measures to tackle it. This year alone, France has seen at least 41 such incidents, which translates to roughly one every two to three days.
The country's Interior Ministry is preparing a new set of measures to address the issue, including a prevention platform that has already drawn thousands of registrations. The rise in wrench attacks is not limited to France, with global data showing a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents in 2025 compared to the previous year.
The trend is attributed to the increasing difficulty of breaking encryption, making it easier for attackers to coerce individuals into giving up access to their digital assets. Researchers note that attackers are now focusing on identifying vulnerabilities in individuals rather than technical systems, using social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to build profiles and track routines. The problem is exacerbated by insider leaks and compromised state data, which can provide attackers with sensitive information.
As the pool of potential victims expands to include mid-level holders and even families, security experts emphasize the need for individuals to take measures to protect themselves, such as using multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of coercion. The growing threat of wrench attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody and the need for increased security measures to protect crypto holders.