French Crypto Family Held for €40,000 in Wrench Attack

A French family was held captive in their home after attackers allegedly targeted the father's involvement in cryptocurrency.

The family, including two young children, were tied up and assaulted during the night of Sept. 19-20 in Vendin-le-Vieil, a town in the northern Pas-de-Calais department.

The father, who works in the crypto industry, was beaten and forced to transfer approximately €40,000 worth of cryptocurrency to the attackers.

The family's ordeal is just one example of the growing trend of 'wrench attacks' targeting France's cryptocurrency community. According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, France has seen 77 such cases since the beginning of 2026, with over 200 people arrested in connection with these crimes.