A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France at the forefront of a global rise in wrench attacks, with the country experiencing one such incident every two to three days. The increase in violence has prompted government officials to take action, with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Minister Delegate Jean-Didier Berger preparing new measures to tackle the issue. A prevention platform has already been launched, but further steps are needed to address the growing problem. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, and the trend is on the rise globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year.
Researchers say attackers are now targeting individuals rather than just wallets, using social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to build profiles and identify points of weakness. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, and the pool of potential victims has widened to include mid-level holders and even families. Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of wrench attacks, but the increase in violence has raised questions about the risks of self-custody and the need for greater security measures in the crypto industry.