Llama · DL News
Wrench attacks often carried out by ‘cannon fodder’ thugs recruited on social media: report
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France has been the epicenter of so-called wrench attacks.
Key facts
- According to the investigation, the criminals in the operation were aged 19 to 23, and wore identical outfits, including balaclavas
- Wrench attacks, when physical violence is used to steal someone’s crypto, have surged in recent years, with 2025 the worst year on record
- Criminals held the pair for around 24 hours before they were rescued by the French authorities
- Mathew Di Salvo is a news correspondent with DL News
Summary
Even as crypto entrepreneurs boost their security, wrench attacks keep happening, particularly in France. But who’s behind the violent home invasions? According to a new investigation by Franceinfo, a crime boss is usually pulling the strings, and often outside of the country where the crime takes place. Wrench attacks, when physical violence is used to steal someone’s crypto, have surged in recent years, with 2025 the worst year on record . According to the investigation, the criminals in the operation were aged 19 to 23, and wore identical outfits, including balaclavas. They joked during the ordeal, Franceinfo reported, suggesting their relaxed attitude towards using violence. The man giving instructions via a phone call appeared angrier, ordering them to cut off the victim’s finger. One high-profile case saw crooks kidnap David Balland, co-founder of crypto hardware wallet brand Ledger, and his wife in France.