A disturbing trend is unfolding in France, where crypto-related kidnappings have surged, prompting concerns about the safety of cryptocurrency holders. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, averaging approximately one every two to three days. This alarming rise has led government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and pledge to implement new measures to tackle it.
The phenomenon, known as 'wrench attacks,' involves the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, often proving easier for attackers than attempting to break encryption. The global rise in wrench attacks, with a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents in 2025, has turned the spotlight on France as the epicenter of this trend. Researchers note a shift in attackers' strategies, from targeting technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims by tracking social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. The lack of reversibility in crypto transactions makes these attacks particularly lucrative, as funds can be quickly transferred across wallets and chains once a victim is coerced into authorizing a transfer.
Security experts emphasize the importance of decoupling real-world identity and location from visible crypto wealth to avoid becoming a target. The involvement of both opportunistic and organized groups, with signs of increasing coordination, further complicates the issue. As crypto adoption grows, so does the severity and frequency of these attacks, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures, such as multi-signature setups and spending limits, to mitigate the risk of wrench attacks.