Physical Attacks on Crypto Holders Surge in France as 'Wrench' Crimes Spread

JH Kim

Summary

Physical attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders are surging in France.
The so-called "wrench attack" is a type of crime in which attackers use physical violence to forcibly gain access to cryptocurrency wallets.
Offline security risks are rising alongside growing digital-asset ownership, underscoring the need for stronger personal security.

Forecast Trend Report by Period

Physical attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders are surging in France, highlighting growing criminal risks for investors.

Cointelegraph reported on April 21 that a suspect posing as a delivery worker recently stormed the home of a crypto investor. A 25-year-old suspect was arrested.

The suspect locked the victim's family in a room and threatened them. One family member eventually overpowered the attacker after a struggle.

The incident was a so-called "wrench attack," a type of crime in which assailants use physical violence to force access to a victim's crypto wallet.

Cointelegraph said such attacks are rising sharply in France, with one occurring about every 2.5 days.

The case is drawing attention to rising offline security risks as digital-asset ownership grows. It also underscores the need for stronger personal security measures.