A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France under the international spotlight, with at least 41 incidents reported this year. The country has become the epicenter of a global rise in wrench attacks, which involve the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, these attacks are becoming increasingly frequent and violent worldwide. In 2025, there were 72 verified physical coercion incidents globally, marking a 75% increase from the previous year.
The trend is attributed to the fact that coercing a person can be easier than breaking encryption, especially since crypto transactions cannot be reversed once authorized under duress. Researchers note that attackers are shifting their approach from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and routines to identify points of weakness. This shift has led to mid-level crypto holders being targeted, with cases involving families and children. 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.
To combat the issue, authorities are preparing new measures, including a prevention platform that has already drawn thousands of registrations. 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 are increasing, turning a once niche concern into a broader security risk.