A disturbing trend is unfolding in France, where crypto holders are being targeted in a wave of violent wrench attacks, prompting concerns about the safety of the cryptocurrency community. The country has witnessed a staggering 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions so far this year, with one incident occurring every two to three days.
This alarming surge has led government officials to acknowledge the severity of the problem and pledge to implement new measures to tackle the issue. The rise of wrench attacks, which involve the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, has been attributed to the increasing difficulty of breaking encryption, making it easier for attackers to coerce individuals into revealing their crypto holdings. 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. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, and for some attackers, it is easier to coerce a person than to break encryption.
Researchers have noted a shift in the way attackers identify victims, with a focus on building profiles, tracking routines, and identifying points of weakness. The problem is further exacerbated when attackers receive inside information from government officials, as seen in a recent case where a French tax official sold sensitive data to wrench attackers. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders being targeted, and cases now include families, with children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents.
The attacks have become more frequent, severe, and violent, with cases involving prolonged captivity, torture, and even waterboarding. Security experts point to the need for increased awareness and measures to reduce risk, such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits, to limit the incentive for attackers. As crypto adoption grows, the risk of wrench attacks is becoming a broader security concern, highlighting the need for a concerted effort to combat this emerging threat.