France has become the leading hotspot for crypto wrench attacks, according to Bitcoin journalist Joe Nakamoto, who claims the nation accounts for roughly 70% of reported physical assaults on crypto holders and their relatives. These attacks involve coercion through force, threats, or kidnapping to extort cryptocurrency, often targeting family members who are easier to access. Nakamoto’s latest figures reveal 41 crypto-related kidnappings in France during the first four months of the year, averaging one case every 2.5 days. The surge has sparked a security debate linking privacy regulations, custody methods, and personal safety.
The rise in attacks is tied to data leaks from know-your-customer (KYC) records, Nakamoto explains. Criminals exploit leaked names, emails, phone numbers, and home addresses to identify potential victims. The 2020 Ledger customer data breach remains a focal point, exposing details of over 270,000 clients globally. Jameson Lopp, CEO of Casa, warns that France acts as a preview of how financial regulations create surveillance systems that directly harm Bitcoin holders.
French authorities have responded by charging 88 suspects in connection with wrench attacks, including minors. The PNACO agency tracked 18 incidents in 2024, 67 in 2025, and 47 already this year. Officials plan to launch a prevention platform and a broader security plan after police recorded 41 crypto-related kidnappings in 2026. Nakamoto notes that some attacks are orchestrated by foreign criminals who recruit young locals to execute the crimes.
For protection, Nakamoto advises crypto holders to avoid public displays of wealth or wallet use online. He recommends custody tools that freeze funds when a user signals duress via a pre-agreed phrase, and suggests keeping a small decoy wallet for emergencies. Ultimately, maintaining a low public profile remains critical. This situation in France underscores how exposed personal data can transition from digital leaks to physical threats, forcing a reevaluation of basic security practices.