A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto-related kidnappings, known as wrench attacks, are becoming increasingly frequent, brazen, and violent. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, with one occurring every two to three days. This shift was evident during a recent international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris, where security was beefed up, and VIP guests were escorted by police motorcades. The French government has taken notice, with officials acknowledging the scale of the problem and announcing new measures to tackle it.
A prevention platform has already been launched, but more steps are needed as incidents continue to rise. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, which can be easier for attackers than breaking encryption. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is not limited to France, with a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025.
Attackers are now using more sophisticated methods to identify victims, including building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. The biggest mistake crypto owners can make is tying their real-world identity, location, and routine too closely to their visible crypto wealth. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted.
Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and even severed body parts. Both opportunistic and organized groups are involved, with signs of increasing coordination. After obtaining funds, attackers quickly move them into stablecoins and route them across multiple chains, making recovery difficult. France's role in this trend may be due to a mix of factors, including 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. Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce risk. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, turning a once niche concern into a broader security risk.