France has become the epicenter of so-called “crypto wrench attacks,” according to Bitcoin journalist Joe Nakamoto, who estimates the country accounts for roughly 70% of reported physical assaults against cryptocurrency holders worldwide. Nakamoto said France has recorded 41 crypto-related kidnappings so far in 2026 — about one case every 2.5 days.
What Is a Wrench Attack?
The term refers to a physical attack where criminals use force, threats, kidnapping, or home invasions to force a victim to transfer crypto assets. Victims are often targeted along with their families. Nakamoto’s data, pulled from police records and victim accounts, shows the tactic is accelerating in France.
KYC Data Leaks Fuel the Surge
Nakamoto linked the rise to centralized KYC databases. Leaked names, emails, phone numbers, and home addresses help criminals identify potential crypto holders. The 2020 Ledger customer database breach — which exposed details of more than 270,000 customers globally — remains a central reference point. Casa CEO Jameson Lopp said: “France is the canary in the coal mine, demonstrating how financial regulations create a surveillance apparatus that causes direct harm to bitcoin holders.”
Police Crackdown: 88 Charged Across 12 Cases
French authorities have already moved against several suspected networks. In April, 88 suspects were charged in connection with wrench attack cases, including minors. PNACO — France’s National Office for Combating Organized Crime — tracked 18 incidents in 2024, 67 in 2025, and 47 so far in 2026. The government is also planning a prevention platform and a broader security plan to address the growing threat.
Safety Tips for Crypto Holders
Nakamoto noted that some attacks are orchestrated by criminals outside France who recruit local youths to carry them out. He advised holders to avoid public posts that reveal wealth, wallet usage, or digital asset exposure. Some custody services now offer emergency freezes — a pre‑agreed phrase or word triggers a fund lock when the user is under duress. He also recommended keeping a small decoy wallet for emergencies, while stressing that a low public profile is the most effective defense.
The situation in France underscores how online data leaks can morph into offline physical threats, forcing both users and companies to rethink basic security practices around custody and privacy.