France is seeing a sharp rise in so-called “wrench attacks” — crimes in which perpetrators use physical violence or threats to gain access to cryptocurrency holdings. Since the start of 2026, at least 41 cases of kidnappings and home invasions targeting digital asset owners have been recorded.
According to investigations, criminals pre-select victims by analyzing their social media activity, public statements about crypto ownership, and data obtained from leaks. This allows them to compile lists of potentially wealthy targets.
These attacks typically involve home invasions or kidnappings, followed by coercion to force victims to transfer their funds. Unlike traditional theft, such crimes are harder to prevent, as attackers directly target the asset holder.
Cybersecurity experts warn that France has become one of the main hotspots for these attacks in Europe and urge crypto investors to rethink their personal security strategies. Key recommendations include using multisignature wallets, setting withdrawal limits, and avoiding public disclosure of crypto holdings.
Experts note that without comprehensive protection — both digital and physical — the risk of such attacks will continue to grow alongside the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies.