Key facts
- France has seen a significant increase in crypto wrench attacks, with 77 incidents reported in the first half of 2026.
- This represents a sharp rise from the 45 incidents recorded in all of 2025.
- French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced a new three-part plan to enhance security for the crypto sector.
- The plan focuses on improved intelligence sharing, collaboration with the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN), and better coordination among security services.
- A rapid alert and protection system for crypto holders has attracted 724 sign-ups, contributing to 200 arrests.
France is intensifying its efforts to combat a significant rise in crypto wrench attacks, with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announcing a more ambitious security plan. In the first half of 2026, 77 incidents of kidnapping, extortion, or attempted extortion linked to cryptocurrencies were recorded, a sharp increase from the 45 incidents throughout 2025. Nuñez acknowledged the legitimacy of concerns from the approximately 7.3 million French cryptocurrency owners, representing 11% of the population.
To address the escalating threat, French authorities have implemented a dedicated prevention platform and a rapid-alert system, which has seen 724 sign-ups and contributed to 200 arrests. Nuñez pledged a three-part strategy to bolster crypto sector security, emphasizing stronger intelligence sharing, particularly against foreign-based criminal networks, a deeper collaboration with ADAN, and improved operational coordination among security services.
Globally, wrench attacks have surged, with blockchain security firm CertiK reporting a 41% increase in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Europe has become a focal point, with France identified as an "epicenter" due to the presence of major industry companies, a culture of voluntary data disclosure within the community, and a history of sensitive data leaks. The vulnerability was highlighted by the January 2025 kidnapping of David Balland, co-founder of French hardware wallet maker Ledger, and his partner, who were later rescued. Ledger itself suffered a major data breach in 2020, leading to a wave of phishing and wrench attacks that persist.