A disturbing trend is emerging in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in a rising number of kidnappings and home invasions, known as wrench attacks. The country has become a focal point for these crimes, with at least 41 reported cases this year, averaging about one every two to three days. Government officials have expressed alarm at the scale of the problem and are preparing new measures to tackle it.
The rise in wrench attacks is not limited to France, with a global increase in physical coercion incidents reported in 2025, totaling 72 verified cases, a 75% increase from the previous year. The term wrench attack refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, often targeting individuals rather than attempting to break encryption. Researchers note that attackers are shifting 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. Unlike traditional bank transfers, crypto transactions cannot be reversed, making it easier for attackers to quickly move funds across wallets and chains once a victim authorizes a transfer under duress.
The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information from government officials, as seen in a case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted.
Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and severe violence, making the attacks harder to categorize by severity. Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of self-custody. As crypto adoption grows, attacks are becoming more frequent and severe, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.