A surge in crypto-related kidnappings, known as 'wrench attacks,' has put France under the international spotlight, prompting government officials to address the issue. This year alone, the country has experienced at least 41 such incidents, occurring at a rate of one every two to three days. Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced that new measures are being developed to tackle the problem, which has become a significant concern for crypto holders. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, and it has become a rising trend globally, with 72 verified incidents reported in 2025, representing a 75% increase from the previous year.
Security researchers and law enforcement data indicate that these attacks are becoming more frequent and violent, with many cases going unreported. The ease of coercing individuals to access their crypto assets, rather than attempting to break encryption, has made crypto holders prime targets.
Researchers have observed a shift in the way attackers identify victims, from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. This shift has led to mid-level holders being targeted, sometimes based on limited or indirect signals, and cases now include families with children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, and the pool of potential victims has widened. To combat these attacks, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of self-custody.
As crypto adoption grows, the frequency and severity of these attacks have raised questions about the risks associated with cryptocurrency and the need for increased security measures.