France logs 77 wrench attacks in 6 months, minister promises 'more ambitious' squeeze on crypto thugs 🔧

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has pledged a "more ambitious" three-part plan to combat crypto-linked kidnappings and extortion after confirming that 77 such incidents were recorded in the first half of 2026, up from 45 across all of 2025, according to local outlet BFM Business. Addressing the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN), Nuñez said the figures reflect "serious matters" and acknowledged the industry's concerns, promising expanded government support for digital asset holders and professionals. Approximately 11% of French people own cryptocurrencies, ADAN said, equating to roughly 7.3 million potential targets.

France has already rolled out a dedicated prevention platform and rapid-alert and protection system for crypto holders, which has drawn 724 sign-ups to date. Nuñez said emergency measures have produced 200 arrests, including one attacker apprehended within eight hours on Friday after the victim used an emergency identification hotline. The incoming plan centers on stronger intelligence-sharing, deeper coordination with ADAN and tighter operational links between security services, with the minister noting that criminal networks are frequently based abroad.

France has emerged as a focal point for "wrench attacks," in which perpetrators use physical violence or threats to coerce victims into surrendering crypto. Blockchain security firm CertiK reported in May that such incidents globally rose 41% in the first four months of 2026 versus the same period a year earlier, with Europe accounting for the bulk of cases. CertiK identified France as the "epicenter," citing the presence of flagship industry companies, a "culture of flexing and voluntary doxxing that remains deeply embedded in the community," and exposure from sensitive data leaks.

Among the highest-profile cases, David Balland, co-founder of French hardware wallet maker Ledger, was kidnapped alongside his partner in January 2025 before being rescued by police. Ledger suffered one of the sector's most damaging data breaches in 2020, when more than 270,000 personal records were exposed, fueling a wave of phishing and wrench attacks that continue today. "France ranks among the most targeted countries in the world for this type of breach," CertiK said.