France now accounts for nearly one quarter of all wrench attacks worldwide, according to Casa security officer Jameson Lopp. These attacks involve real-world violence. Victims face kidnappings and coercion. Attackers force them to surrender private keys or complete forced transfers. Criminals use physical intimidation to break through strong digital protections. France now reports a steady surge of these incidents in 2025.
The rise in violent cases began early in the year. In January, attackers kidnapped Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife near Vierzon. The group demanded about €10 million. French police located the couple after nearly sixty hours. Officers rescued them and arrested five suspects.
Later events added more concern. Weeks after the Balland case, masked men attempted to abduct the daughter and toddler of the Paymium CEO in Paris. The attackers posed as delivery workers. They tried to force the pair into a van. The father and nearby neighbours acted quickly and stopped the attempt. Authorities opened investigations and increased monitoring around targeted communities.
More cases surfaced as the year progressed. In a Paris suburb, a 23-year-old crypto investor faced a violent abduction during routine errands. Attackers forced him to call his partner. They demanded a hardware wallet and cash. The partner complied under fear of harm. Police launched further inquiries into related groups active around the region.
French prosecutors moved rapidly as cases multiplied. In June 2025, authorities charged twenty-five suspects. Six minors were included in the group. Investigators linked them to several completed and attempted kidnappings. Many individuals entered pre-trial detention. Others fell under strict judicial supervision.
Another operation followed days later. Police arrested six men who planned to abduct a man for his cryptocurrency. Officers uncovered early preparations. This prevented another violent attack. The arrests strengthened concerns about coordinated groups targeting crypto wealth.
Security analysts observed clear patterns. Criminals targeted individuals who held large amounts of digital assets. Many victims had public ties to crypto firms. Others had wallets seen as high value. Criminals viewed these assets as easy to liquidate once obtained. The speed and ease of transfer created strong incentives for violent theft.
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Investigators noted two main drivers behind the surge. First, public visibility around crypto wealth continued to rise. Second, digital wallets offered strong technical protection but could not stop physical coercion. Attackers used real-world pressure to break through the strongest encryption.
Experts advised crypto holders to reduce exposure. They encouraged private handling of wallet details. They also recommended multi-signature setups. These systems required multiple approvals to move funds. They limited the impact of forced transfers.
The series of attacks raised a broader question for the global crypto community: Can self-custody remain safe when physical threats grow at this pace?
The spike in wrench attacks in France suggests a shift in how security must be approached. Crypto holders across the world now study these events closely as risks continue to expand.
France continues to record a sharp rise in violent Bitcoin wrench attacks, with criminals targeting private keys through abductions and coercion. These incidents show growing physical risks for crypto investors. Individuals may need stronger privacy habits and improved security practices to reduce exposure to targeted crime.