- A family of four was attacked in France by robbers who stole €40,000 in digital assets.
- Wrench attacks have become a severe trend in France, especially in 2026.
- Crypto users are advised to take precautions and protect themselves against attacks.
Robbers attacked a family in Vendin-le-Vieil, a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France, forcefully extorting the father, who reportedly works in cryptocurrency, for €40,000 in digital assets.
In an alleged case of kidnapping and extortion, law enforcement agents reported that four suspects broke into the home in the early hours of Sunday, attacking a couple and their two children, aged 12 and 8. The assailants insulted, threatened, and beat the father before forcing him to provide his personal information and login details, which they used to steal €40,000 in cryptocurrency.
Law enforcement agents reported that the operation lasted over three hours before the suspects fled in a vehicle, leaving the victims tied up and in a state of shock until daybreak. The Béthune prosecutor’s office said it is investigating the case, adding that the charges at this stage include “sequestration of several people and extortion by an organized group,” punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Wrench Attack Proliferation in France
The incident reflects a growing trend in France, where authorities have recorded over 70 crypto-related kidnappings and unlawful detentions in the first eight months of 2026. It also points to a broader rise in “wrench attacks,” underscoring the need for greater caution among crypto holders.
The French government and the Ministry of the Interior have initiated plans to deploy rapid-alert frameworks for high-risk individuals in the sector, while prominent crypto executives in France have resorted to spending heavily on private security. However, crypto users are becoming more intentional in protecting themselves from such attacks.
Protecting Against Crypto Robbers
Individuals participating in crypto are advised to maintain a low profile and avoid discussing crypto earnings, portfolio sizes, or specific trades on social media, public forums, or even with casual acquaintances. They are encouraged to scrub their digital footprints to limit physical traceability and remove physical cues that could attract bad actors.
Crypto users could further protect themselves through physical deterrence and reinforcements, active monitoring of their physical spaces, and deploying strategic wallet security architecture, such as multisig, time-lock, and withdrawal limits. Establishing a “duress wallet,” containing a sacrificial amount of crypto, could also help protect users and limit damage from potential attacks.
Related: France Vows Tougher Crackdown as Crypto Wrench Attacks Surge to 77 in H1 2026
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