A surge in crypto-related kidnappings has put France at the forefront of a global rise in wrench attacks, with the country witnessing at least 41 such incidents this year, averaging one every two to three days. This trend has prompted government officials to raise concerns and announce new measures to tackle the issue. The increase in wrench attacks, which involve the use of physical force to extract access to digital assets, has been linked to the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies and the ease with which attackers can coerce individuals into revealing sensitive information.
According to security researchers and law enforcement data, the number of verified physical coercion incidents globally rose by 75% in 2025, with many more cases going unreported. The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that crypto transactions cannot be reversed, allowing attackers to quickly move funds across wallets and chains once a victim authorizes a transfer under duress. Researchers have noted a shift in the way attackers identify victims, from scanning for technical vulnerabilities to building profiles based on social media activity, public appearances, and leaked datasets. This has led to a widening of the pool of potential victims, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted.
Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder, highlighting the severity of the threat. While some security experts point to measures such as multi-signature setups and withdrawal delays as ways to reduce risk, the increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks of self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency.
As crypto adoption continues to grow, the frequency and severity of wrench attacks are likely to increase, turning what was once a niche concern into a broader security risk.