France Has Witnessed 41 Kidnapping Cases Targeting Cryptocurrency Holders This Year

Odaily News France has become a hotspot for "wrench attacks," with at least 41 reported cases of cryptocurrency-related kidnappings and home invasions this year, averaging one incident every 2.5 days. Jean-Didier Berger, Deputy Minister of the Interior, stated that he is preparing a series of new measures with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to address the issue.

"Wrench attacks" refer to the use of physical violence to force victims to transfer crypto assets. According to data from Certik and Jameson Lopp, there were 72 verified cases of physical coercion globally in 2025, a 75% year-on-year increase, with cases involving physical assaults rising by 250%. Ledger co-founder David Balland was kidnapped in France in January 2025. Security researchers point out that attackers are shifting from targeting wallets to hunting individuals, identifying targets through social media and leaked data. Due to the irreversible nature of crypto transactions, attackers often convert illicit proceeds into stablecoins and transfer them across chains to evade detection. Experts recommend using tools such as multi-signature wallets, withdrawal delays, and spending limits to reduce the risk of being attacked.