A surge in crypto-related kidnappings, known as "wrench attacks", has put France at the forefront of a global issue. These attacks, which involve the use of physical force to access digital assets, have become increasingly frequent and violent. The country has witnessed at least 41 such incidents this year, prompting government officials to acknowledge the scale of the problem and announce new measures to tackle it.
A prevention platform has been launched, but further steps are needed as incidents continue to rise. The trend is not limited to France, with global data showing a 75% increase in verified physical coercion incidents in 2025. The ease of coercing individuals to access their digital assets, rather than attempting to break encryption, has made crypto holders a prime target for attackers.
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 routines to identify points of weakness. The problem is exacerbated by insider leaks and compromised state data, which can provide attackers with valuable information. The pool of potential victims has expanded, with mid-level holders and even families being targeted. Cases have involved prolonged captivity, torture, and severe violence, highlighting the need for increased security measures.
Experts recommend measures such as multi-signature setups, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of wrench attacks. As crypto adoption grows, the frequency and severity of these attacks are likely to increase, making it essential to address this growing security risk.