A surge in crypto-related kidnappings and violent attacks, known as wrench attacks, has put France under the international spotlight. This year alone, the country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents, prompting government officials to express their concern and announce new measures to tackle the issue.
The trend is not limited to France, as security researchers and law enforcement data indicate a global rise in wrench attacks, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, a 75% increase from the previous year. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, and researchers say attackers are now focusing on identifying vulnerabilities in individuals rather than just scanning for technical weaknesses. The problem is further complicated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, and the pool of potential victims has expanded to include mid-level crypto holders.
Experts emphasize that anybody can be a potential victim and that the biggest avoidable mistake is tying real-world identity, location, and routine too closely to visible crypto wealth. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, raising questions about the risks of self-custody and the need for increased security measures.