France averaged nearly three crypto wrench attacks per week this year, with French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirming there were 77 kidnapping, extortion or attempted extortion incidents linked to crypto in the first half of 2026.

Nuñez said Tuesday that the 77 incidents recorded so far this year are up sharply from the 45 recorded in all of 2025, according to local outlet BFM Business.

“These are serious matters, and your concern is legitimate,” he told the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN) as he promised more government support.

France has become one of the biggest hot spots for crypto wrench attacks, where criminals use physical violence to coerce victims into handing over crypto. Approximately 11%…