A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has placed France at the forefront of a global rise in wrench attacks, characterized by increased frequency, brazenness, and violence. This trend was evident during a recent international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris, where heightened security measures were implemented, including a police motorcade for VIP guests and reinforced security at the conference venue. Government officials expressed concern over the scale of the problem, citing at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions in France this year, which translates to approximately one incident every two to three days. In response, a new set of measures is being developed to address the issue, including a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations.
The global rise in wrench attacks is also a pressing concern, with 72 verified physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. This trend is attributed to the growing ease with which attackers can coerce individuals into relinquishing access to their digital assets, rather than attempting to break encryption. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, often targeting individuals with visible crypto wealth.
Researchers have observed a shift in the way attackers identify victims, from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. This shift has led to a wider pool of potential victims, including mid-level holders and families. The problem is further exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, as seen in a recent case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers.
The severity of these attacks has increased, with cases involving prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder. Security experts point to the need for increased coordination and information sharing between authorities to combat the growing threat of wrench attacks. To mitigate the risk of such attacks, experts recommend implementing measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to limit access to funds under duress. As the adoption of cryptocurrency continues to grow, the risk of wrench attacks is becoming a broader security concern, highlighting the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to protect individuals and their digital assets.