A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France at the forefront of a global rise in wrench attacks, with authorities scrambling to respond to the escalating threat. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, averaging nearly one every two to three days. The alarming trend was highlighted during a recent international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris, where government officials acknowledged the scale of the problem and announced plans to introduce new measures to tackle it. According to Jean-Didier Berger, Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, a prevention platform has already been set up, but further steps are needed to address the growing issue.
The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, with attackers often targeting crypto holders as a means to bypass encryption. Security researchers and law enforcement data indicate that the trend is on the rise globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, representing a 75% increase from the previous year.
The rise of wrench attacks has significant implications for the crypto industry, with many experts pointing to the need for increased security measures, such as multi-signature setups and withdrawal delays, to reduce the risk of such attacks. As crypto adoption continues to grow, the threat of wrench attacks is becoming a broader security concern, with authorities and industry experts working to develop effective strategies to combat the menace.