France Charges 88 In Crypto Kidnapping Cases

French prosecutors have charged 88 individuals tied to violent crypto-related kidnappings, marking one of the largest coordinated crackdowns on so-called wrench attacks in Europe. The scale of the investigation highlights growing physical security risks for digital asset holders.

The National Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (PNACO) said the charges span 12 active investigations handled by the Paris Judicial Court. Among those charged are 10 minors, while 75 suspects have been placed in pretrial detention. Authorities allege the groups targeted individuals holding crypto assets, using abduction and coercion to force transfers.

Are Physical Crypto Attacks Becoming A Systemic Risk?

The cases reflect a broader rise in off-chain threats linked to digital wealth. Data from CertiK shows crypto wrench attacks increased 75% in 2025, resulting in approximately $41 million in confirmed losses. Unlike cyber exploits, these incidents rely on physical intimidation, exposing a different layer of vulnerability for investors.

Skynet Wrench Attacks Report - CertiK

In 2025, wrench attacks unfortunately crossed a critical threshold. What was once treated as an edge-case risk has become a structural threat to digital asset ownership. Attackers are no longer acting opportunistically; they are operating as organized, transnational groups that combine OSINT-driven targeting, social engineering, and extreme physical violence to extract private keys.

CertiK

French officials described the severity of the crimes in stark terms.

“Kidnapping, sequestration in an organized gang, extortion, and attempted extortion in an organized gang are of particular gravity,” said Vanessa Perrée, national prosecutor for organized crime, citing the violence used to force crypto transfers.

Investigators also warned that public exposure on social media can make individuals easier targets.

One high-profile case underscores the trend. In January 2025, Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife were abducted in central France, with attackers reportedly seeking a €10 million ransom tied to crypto holdings. The incident drew attention to the risks facing executives and early adopters with visible wealth.

Authorities are now urging crypto holders to adopt stricter personal security measures, including limiting public disclosure of holdings and verifying unsolicited contact. The next phase of these investigations will test whether coordinated enforcement can deter organized groups as crypto adoption continues to expand.