A disturbing surge in crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions has placed France at the forefront of a global rise in wrench attacks, where perpetrators use physical force to gain access to digital assets. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, occurring at an alarming rate of roughly one every two to three days.
This trend was evident during a recent international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris, where enhanced security measures were put in place, including a police motorcade for VIP guests and reinforced security at the conference venue. Government officials expressed concern over the scale of the problem, with Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announcing plans to introduce new measures to tackle the issue.
A prevention platform has already been launched, but authorities acknowledge that more needs to be done to address the growing concern. The global rise in wrench attacks is attributed to the increasing difficulty of breaking encryption, making it easier for attackers to coerce individuals into granting access to their digital assets.
According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the number of verified physical coercion incidents worldwide increased by 75% in 2025, with many more cases going unreported. 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 note a shift in attackers' tactics, from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. Attackers are becoming more organized, with some groups operating with defined roles and pre-planning, including surveillance and follow-home tactics. The use of physical force has led to severe cases of violence, including kidnappings, torture, and even murder.
The problem is exacerbated by insider leaks and compromised state data, which can provide attackers with sensitive information about potential victims. The pool of potential victims has widened, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted.
Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of wrench attacks. However, the increasing frequency and severity of these attacks have raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. As crypto adoption continues to grow, the need for effective security measures to prevent wrench attacks has become a pressing concern.
Authorities and individuals must work together to address this emerging threat and protect the safety and security of crypto holders worldwide.