France Emerges as Global Epicenter for Violent Crypto 'Wrench Attacks'

France is grappling with a violent wave of 'wrench attacks'—physical assaults and kidnappings designed to force cryptocurrency owners to surrender their private keys. The scale of the crisis was highlighted during a recent blockchain conference in Paris, where government officials acknowledged the severity of the problem and announced the development of new security measures to protect citizens. According to data from Certik and researcher Jameson Lopp, global physical coercion incidents rose 75% in 2025 to 72 verified cases, while incidents involving physical assault surged by 250% year-over-year. The shift is driven by the irreversibility of blockchain transactions, making coerced transfers a highly efficient method for criminals to secure funds that cannot be clawed back by banks. Security experts from TRM Labs note a strategic pivot from scanning for wallet vulnerabilities to 'hunting' specific individuals. Attackers now leverage social media, public appearances, and leaked datasets to build profiles of wealthy holders. In France, the risk has been exacerbated by reports of government insiders, including a tax official, leaking sensitive data to criminal groups. The violence has escalated significantly, exemplified by the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland, who suffered a severed finger during his ordeal. Other international cases in New York and Canada have involved prolonged captivity and torture. As organized crime groups increasingly coordinate these attacks, the industry is seeing a widening pool of targets, including mid-level holders and their families.