A surge in crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions, known as wrench attacks, has placed France under international scrutiny. The country has experienced at least 41 such incidents this year, averaging one every two to three days. This alarming trend was highlighted during a recent international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris, where government officials expressed concern over the scale of the problem. Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced plans to introduce new measures to tackle the issue, including a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations.
However, authorities acknowledge that more needs to be done to address the rising number of incidents. The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, often proving easier for attackers than attempting to break encryption. According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the trend is not unique to France, with a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents globally in 2025. The shift in attack strategies has seen a move from targeting technical vulnerabilities to building profiles of potential victims, tracking their social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets to identify points of weakness.
Researchers warn that anybody can be a potential victim, with mid-level holders increasingly being targeted. The problem is exacerbated when attackers receive insider information, such as in the case of a French tax official who sold sensitive data to wrench attackers.
The pool of potential victims has widened, with cases now including families and children being targeted alongside crypto-holding parents. The severity of attacks has also increased, with cases involving prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder. Security experts point to the need for increased coordination between authorities and the implementation of measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of wrench attacks. As crypto adoption continues to grow, the frequency and severity of attacks are likely to increase, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.