A surge in crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, known as 'wrench attacks,' has put France under the international spotlight. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, prompting government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and announce new measures to tackle it.
The trend is not limited to France, as global data shows a 75% increase in physical coercion incidents in 2025, with many more cases likely going unreported. The use of physical force to extract access to digital assets has become a significant concern, with attackers often targeting individuals rather than trying to break encryption.
Researchers note that 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 problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information, such as in a case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted. Cases have involved severe violence, including prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder.
Security experts point to the need for increased awareness and precautions, such as multi-signature setups and withdrawal delays, to reduce the risk of wrench attacks. As crypto adoption grows, the frequency and severity of these attacks are likely to increase, making it a broader security risk that requires urgent attention.