A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in a wave of kidnappings and violent attacks known as 'wrench attacks.' These incidents have prompted French authorities to increase security, particularly during a recent international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris. The country has seen at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions this year, with one incident occurring every two to three days.

Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced that new measures are being implemented to tackle the issue, including a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations. However, officials acknowledge that further steps are necessary to address the growing problem. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, often because it is easier to coerce a person than to break encryption.

According to security researchers and law enforcement data, these attacks are becoming more frequent and violent globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. Many more cases are believed to go unreported. Researchers have noted 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 a wider pool of potential victims, including mid-level holders and families. 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 reduce the risk of such attacks, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits, which can limit the amount of funds accessible under duress.

As crypto adoption continues to grow, the frequency and severity of these attacks are increasing, turning a once niche concern into a broader security risk.