A surge in crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, known as wrench attacks, has put France at the center of a global trend. The country has experienced at least 41 such incidents this year, equivalent to roughly one every two to three days.
This has prompted government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and announce new measures to tackle it. A prevention platform has been launched, but further steps are needed as the number of incidents continues to rise. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, and it has become a significant concern for crypto holders worldwide. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is on the rise globally, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents in 2025, representing a 75% increase from the previous year.
The way attackers identify victims has also shifted, with a focus on building profiles and tracking routines to identify points of weakness. Researchers warn that anybody can be a potential victim, and cases now include families and mid-level holders. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, and the pool of potential victims has widened. To reduce the risk of wrench attacks, security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to limit how much can be accessed under duress.