France has become the main reported hotspot for violent physical attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders and their families, according to Bitcoin journalist Joe Nakamoto, who said about 70% of known global “wrench attacks” now occur in the country.
Wrench attacks refer to physical violence, kidnapping, home invasion or extortion attempts aimed at forcing crypto holders to surrender private keys, wallet access or digital assets. The term has gained wider use as criminals increasingly target people believed to hold Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Nakamoto said France has recorded 41 crypto-related kidnappings so far in 2026, equal to roughly one case every two and a half days. French authorities have also reported more than 40 cryptocurrency-linked kidnapping or hostage cases since January, according to figures cited by Le Monde.
France Records Surge in Crypto Kidnappings
French police have been investigating a wave of abductions and attempted kidnappings linked to cryptocurrency investors, executives, and their relatives. Officials said the trend began rising in late 2024, expanded in 2025 and continued into 2026.
Several cases have drawn public attention. In January 2025, kidnappers abducted Ledger co-founder David Balland and his partner. Balland was later freed, but reports said his captors mutilated his hand and demanded a crypto ransom.
In May 2026, the daughter of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat escaped an attempted kidnapping in Paris. Video footage showed masked men trying to force her into a vehicle before she resisted with help from her husband.
Another reported case involved the wife of The Sandbox co-founder Sebastien Borget. As we reported, she was targeted at the couple’s home in Villenoy by suspects posing as delivery workers. Neighbors intervened after hearing her cries, and two suspects were later arrested.
KYC Data and Target Selection Under Scrutiny
Nakamoto linked the rise in attacks partly to know-your-customer data collection. He said sensitive customer records stored on centralized servers may have helped criminals identify crypto holders after past data leaks.
One of the most cited examples is the 2020 Ledger customer data leak, which exposed names, home addresses and email addresses of more than 270,000 customers worldwide. The incident remains a reference point in debates over crypto privacy and physical security.
Jameson Lopp, chief executive of Casa, said France has become a warning case for the sector. He argued that financial regulations can create large stores of personal data that may place Bitcoin holders at risk when compromised.
Investigators have said the structure of the attacks varies. French officials have described cases in which organizers may operate from abroad while recruiting young people in France to carry out abductions, surveillance, or logistics.
French media reports said some suspects arrested in recent kidnapping probes were minors, while many others were under 20. Authorities have accused suspects of involvement in organized kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses.
Authorities Increase Arrests and Security Response
French authorities have arrested dozens of people linked to crypto kidnapping investigations. National prosecutor Vanessa Perrée said at least 88 individuals have been arrested in connection with crypto wrench attacks in France.
In one recent operation, police arrested 24 suspects connected to multiple kidnapping cases. Reports said the Banditry Repression Brigade intercepted one attempted abduction, while other arrests followed a separate attempt involving the daughter of a crypto investor.
The French Interior Ministry has met with crypto industry representatives to discuss security threats facing investors, founders, and executives. During Paris Blockchain Week 2026, Minister Delegate Jean-Didier Berger announced preventive measures, including a dedicated prevention platform.
Security specialists have advised crypto holders to reduce public exposure. Common recommendations include avoiding public claims about holdings, limiting personal information online, using professional custody tools and creating emergency protocols with trusted service providers.
Some custody firms offer security phrases that can alert staff when a client is being coerced. In such cases, a provider may freeze access or contact law enforcement. Other advisers suggest maintaining a decoy wallet with a small balance, though users are also warned that physical safety should come before asset protection.
