A surge in crypto-related kidnappings, known as 'wrench attacks,' has placed France at the center of a global issue. These attacks involve the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, and their frequency and brutality are increasing. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, occurring at a rate of roughly one every two to three days.
This trend is not limited to France, as global data indicates a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents in 2025, with a significant rise in cases involving physical assault. 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. Crypto transactions, unlike traditional bank transfers, cannot be reversed, making them an attractive target for attackers. Once a victim authorizes a transfer under duress, the funds can be quickly moved across wallets and chains.
Researchers note that attackers are shifting their approach from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness. The biggest avoidable mistake, according to security experts, is tying real-world identity, location, and routine too closely to visible crypto wealth. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information, such as in the case of a French tax official who sold sensitive data to wrench attackers.
The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted, sometimes based on limited or indirect signals. Cases now include prolonged captivity, torture, and severe violence, making these attacks harder to categorize by severity.
Security experts point to the involvement of both opportunistic and organized groups, with signs of increasing coordination among attackers. After obtaining funds, attackers tend to move quickly, converting crypto assets into stablecoins and routing them across multiple chains, making recovery more difficult. France's role in this trend may reflect a mix of factors, including cases involving leaked personal data and cross-border criminal networks. Rising asset prices have increased the potential payoff from a single attack, while improvements in digital security have reduced the effectiveness of purely technical exploits.
The increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. Some security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce risk by limiting how much can be accessed under duress.
As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.