French Wrench Attacks Surge Past 70, Crypto Industry Seeks Security Measures

The Béthune prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the kidnapping of a crypto worker's family in a wrench attack. On September 20, four masked intruders broke into the home of a crypto-industry IT worker and his family in Vendin-le-Vieil, northern France, around 4 a.m.

The attackers bound the father and his 12-year-old daughter, coercing him to transfer approximately €40,000 in digital assets over the next two to three hours. The victims suffered minor injuries during the ordeal, but their assailants escaped with the stolen funds.

This is one of over 70 crypto-related violent incidents reported in France during the first eight months of 2026. Since 2023, more than 135 such cases have been documented across Europe, with nearly 80% occurring in France alone.

France's 'wrench attack' epidemic has left authorities scrambling to respond, with specialized organized crime units resulting in over 200 arrests and numerous indictments by mid-2026. The involvement of the anti-cybercrime office signals that investigators recognize these as not ordinary home invasions but rather targeted attacks on crypto holders.

The victims often work within the industry, making them prime targets for attackers operating off leaked employee databases. Industry participants have resorted to adopting operational security practices like using PO boxes, scrubbing social media, and storing holdings in hardware wallets kept in undisclosed locations.