A disturbing trend is unfolding in France, where crypto-related kidnappings, known as wrench attacks, are on the rise. These incidents have become increasingly brazen and violent, prompting government officials to address the issue at a recent international blockchain and crypto conference in Paris. According to officials, at least 41 crypto-related kidnappings and home invasions have occurred in France this year alone, translating to approximately one incident every two to three days.
Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, announced plans to implement new measures to tackle the problem, including a prevention platform that has already garnered thousands of registrations. However, authorities acknowledge that more needs to be done to curb the growing threat.
The term 'wrench attack' refers to the use of physical force to gain access to digital assets, often because it is easier to coerce an individual than to bypass encryption. Security researchers and law enforcement data indicate that such attacks are becoming more frequent and violent globally, with 72 verified incidents reported in 2025, representing a 75% increase from the previous year. The rise of wrench attacks has significant implications for crypto holders, as these incidents can result in substantial financial losses and physical harm.
Researchers note that attackers are shifting their approach 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. This shift in tactics has led to a broader range of potential victims, including mid-level holders and even families with children. In some cases, attackers have received assistance from government officials, further exacerbating the problem. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with anybody who holds cryptocurrency being a potential target.
Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and even murder, highlighting the severity of the threat. Experts believe that both opportunistic and organized groups are involved in these attacks, with some displaying signs of increasing coordination and pre-planning.
After obtaining funds, attackers often move quickly to convert the assets into stablecoins and route them across multiple chains, making recovery more difficult. France's role in this trend may be attributed to a combination of factors, including leaked personal data and cross-border criminal networks. Rising asset prices have increased the potential payoff for attackers, while improvements in digital security have reduced the effectiveness of purely technical exploits. As a result, wrench attacks may be significantly underreported, with many incidents being recorded as standard robberies or home invasions without mention of crypto.
The increase in attacks has raised questions about the risks associated with self-custody, a core principle of cryptocurrency. Security experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of wrench attacks by limiting access to funds under duress.