Six individuals, including a minor, were arrested in France following the kidnapping of a magistrate and her mother in a chilling crypto ransom plot. The incident has raised alarm over the rise of violent 'wrench attacks' in the country.

The magistrate, 35, and her 67-year-old mother were reportedly abducted with their captors demanding payment in cryptocurrency. The magistrate's partner, a crypto entrepreneur, received a threatening photo of the two women, warning of severe consequences if the ransom wasn't paid. After approximately 30 hours in captivity, both women managed to escape without any ransom being exchanged.

This case is part of a troubling trend of crypto-related kidnappings in France. Authorities had previously charged 25 suspects in 2025 related to a series of similar incidents targeting crypto investors. Ransoms in these cases have often been demanded in digital assets, reflecting a growing concern over the safety of those involved in the crypto space.

The rise of 'wrench attacks'—physical assaults aimed at stealing private keys or cryptocurrency—has caught the attention of security researchers. Jameson Lopp, a Bitcoin security advocate, noted that the majority of wrench attacks this year occurred in France, highlighting the severity of the issue.

French Bitcoin developer Kevin Loaec expressed his concern on social media, stating that kidnappings are now happening every two days. He urged people in the crypto community to be vigilant, suggesting that anyone involved in cryptocurrency could become a target, regardless of their public profile.

The alarming statistics indicate that this problem extends beyond France. Although the U.S. leads in the cumulative number of recorded wrench attacks, incidents of violent coercion in the crypto space are becoming increasingly common worldwide. Experts are calling for greater awareness and the adoption of preventive measures.

As the crypto landscape evolves, so do the risks associated with it. Security experts recommend using tools such as time-locked vaults and decoy wallets, alongside adopting low-profile behaviors when holding self-custodied crypto assets. While France may currently be in the spotlight, the implications of these crimes affect the global crypto community.

In light of these developments, it's crucial for individuals involved in cryptocurrency to remain informed and cautious. The rise in violent crimes linked to digital assets underscores the need for robust security measures, both at the individual and systemic levels. As the industry continues to grow, so too must the strategies to protect those within it.