France is launching a sweeping national security initiative to protect cryptocurrency investors, executives, and blockchain companies after recording 77 crypto-related kidnappings, extortion attempts, and violent attacks during the first half of 2026. The alarming figure has already surpassed the 45 incidents reported throughout all of 2025, prompting the French government to introduce a more aggressive strategy aimed at dismantling organized criminal networks targeting digital asset holders. The announcement reflects growing concerns that physical attacks, often referred to as “wrench attacks,” have become one of the crypto industry’s fastest-growing security threats.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN), French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged the growing danger facing the country’s crypto community and pledged a broader, long-term response. France has become one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency markets, with an estimated 7.3 million people—roughly 11% of the population—owning digital assets, making the country an increasingly attractive target for organized criminal groups.
Crypto Crime Moves From Online Hacks to Physical Violence
Unlike traditional cyberattacks that target wallets or exchanges remotely, many of France’s recent incidents involve criminals physically confronting victims to force them to surrender cryptocurrency.
These so-called “wrench attacks” rely on kidnapping, intimidation, torture, or extortion rather than attempting to break blockchain security. Victims are often pressured into transferring funds directly from their wallets or revealing private keys under threat of violence.
Authorities say the sharp increase demonstrates that while blockchain networks remain highly secure, crypto holders themselves have increasingly become the weakest point of attack.
Government Launches Three-Part Security Strategy
To combat the growing threat, France has announced a comprehensive security plan built around three major initiatives.
The strategy will focus on:
- Expanding intelligence-sharing to identify organized criminal groups operating both inside and outside France.
- Strengthening cooperation between ADAN, blockchain companies, and French security agencies through dedicated industry experts.
- Improving coordination with international law enforcement to pursue organizers operating across national borders.
According to Minister Nuñez, many of the individuals directing these attacks are believed to be located outside France, making international cooperation essential to dismantling the networks responsible.
Emergency Protection Program Already Showing Results
France began implementing emergency protection measures earlier this year following several high-profile attacks against crypto entrepreneurs.
The initiative includes:
- Rapid emergency response systems.
- Immediate identification hotlines for victims.
- Protective services for high-risk industry participants.
- Dedicated communication channels between crypto companies and law enforcement.
Officials say approximately 724 people have already enrolled in the protection program, while law enforcement has carried out roughly 200 arrests through investigations and preventive operations. In one recent case, police reportedly arrested suspects within eight hours after a victim activated the emergency hotline.
France Becomes the Epicenter of Wrench Attacks
Blockchain security firms now consider France one of the world’s primary hotspots for crypto-related physical attacks.
Researchers attribute the trend to several factors, including the country’s large crypto adoption rate, the visibility of many blockchain entrepreneurs, and historical data breaches that exposed customer information belonging to crypto users.
Security researchers have also noted that organized crime groups increasingly recruit younger individuals to carry out kidnappings while leadership remains insulated across international borders, making investigations more complex.
Security Now Extends Beyond Private Keys
The surge in violent incidents highlights an important evolution in crypto security.
For years, the industry has focused on protecting against online threats through hardware wallets, multisignature custody, and smart contract security. Today’s threat landscape increasingly includes physical safety, operational security, and protecting personal information.
Many security experts now encourage crypto investors and executives to:
- Limit public disclosure of wallet holdings.
- Avoid sharing real-time travel or location information.
- Separate personal identities from public blockchain activity.
- Strengthen physical security and emergency response planning.
The shift reflects the reality that criminals are increasingly targeting individuals rather than attempting to defeat blockchain encryption itself.
