A surge in crypto-related kidnappings and violent attacks has put France at the center of a global trend, prompting government officials to take action. The country has seen at least 41 such incidents this year, with one occurring every two to three days. The phenomenon, known as "wrench attacks," involves the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, often targeting crypto holders. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, these attacks are becoming more frequent and violent worldwide, with a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025.
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. 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 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 families being targeted, making the attacks harder to categorize by severity. Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder, with attackers often using coordinated tactics, including surveillance and follow-home strategies. After obtaining funds, attackers quickly move them across multiple chains, making recovery more difficult.
Rising asset prices and improvements in digital security have increased the potential payoff from a single attack, while also reducing the effectiveness of purely technical exploits. The increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency, with some security experts recommending 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 what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.