SKN | France Charges 88 Suspects in Surge of Violent Crypto “Wrench Attacks”

Key Points

• 88 suspects charged in connection with crypto-related violent attacks in France.
• Authorities link incidents to organized criminal networks.
• Wrench attacks increasingly target crypto holders’ physical security.

French authorities have charged at least 88 individuals, including minors, in connection with a wave of violent “wrench attacks” targeting cryptocurrency holders. According to national prosecutor Vanessa Perrée, the suspects are tied to 12 ongoing investigations overseen by the Paris Judicial Court and monitored by the National Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime.

Of those charged, 75 individuals are currently being held in pre-trial detention, reflecting the seriousness of the offenses and the scale of the crackdown.

What Are Wrench Attacks?

Wrench attacks refer to physical assaults or threats used to force victims to hand over access to their crypto holdings. Unlike cyberattacks, these incidents rely on real-world violence, including kidnappings, home invasions, and extortion attempts.

The method exploits a key vulnerability in crypto ownership: while digital assets are secured cryptographically, access can still be coerced from individuals through force.

Sharp Rise in Incidents

Authorities have recorded a significant increase in such attacks in recent years. France reported 18 incidents in 2024, which surged to 67 in 2025, with 47 cases already documented in 2026.

This trend aligns with global data from CertiK, which noted a 75% increase in similar attacks worldwide in 2025 compared to the previous year.

The growing frequency suggests that as crypto adoption rises, so does the risk of physical targeting of investors.

Organized Crime Networks Behind Attacks

Investigations have revealed that many of the suspects were involved in multiple incidents, pointing to the existence of coordinated criminal networks.

By consolidating cases and identifying repeat offenders, law enforcement agencies have uncovered structured groups orchestrating these attacks, rather than isolated opportunistic crimes.

Authorities are continuing efforts to trace financial flows, identify all participants, and dismantle the broader networks involved.

Why Crypto Holders Are Being Targeted

Crypto investors are increasingly seen as attractive targets due to the visibility of wealth and the perception that transactions are difficult to reverse.

Unlike traditional bank transfers, crypto transactions are often irreversible once executed, making them appealing for criminals seeking quick financial gain.

Additionally, publicly shared information on social media can inadvertently expose individuals as potential targets.

Security Warnings for Crypto Users

Officials have urged crypto holders to exercise greater caution, particularly when sharing information online. Overexposure on social platforms can make individuals and their families more vulnerable to targeted attacks.

Authorities also warned about scammers posing as law enforcement or legal representatives to extract sensitive information from victims.

A Growing Security Challenge

The rise of wrench attacks highlights a shifting threat landscape in the crypto space, where risks are no longer limited to digital exploits but extend into physical safety.

As adoption continues to grow, balancing privacy, security, and personal safety will become increasingly important for investors.

Law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify efforts to combat these crimes, but the responsibility for security will also remain with individuals navigating the evolving risks of digital asset ownership.