French Wrench Attack: Children Held, $46,000 Stolen

Police reported that assailants forced entry to a cryptocurrency worker’s home in France, used a wrench to threaten the family, held the worker’s children and left with about $46,000 in cash and valuables.

Investigators described the intruders confronting the occupant, restraining family members and carrying away cash and other items totaling roughly $46,000. Authorities did not immediately release details on the children’s condition or whether anyone was injured.

French police opened an investigation, collected evidence at the scene and began reviewing security camera footage and phone records. Neighbors and local officials were questioned to establish a timeline. No arrests were announced.

The victim works in the cryptocurrency sector. Detectives are checking whether the theft included digital assets, phones or hardware wallets, or only physical cash and valuables. Officials have not confirmed any transfers of cryptocurrency or access to accounts.

Wrench attacks involve assailants using a wrench or similar blunt instrument to threaten victims during robberies and have been used in attempts to force people to unlock devices or reveal passwords. Investigators are examining whether coercion was used to obtain access to devices in this case and whether the theft involved people with knowledge of crypto security practices.

Authorities asked anyone with information to contact local police. Specialized units are assisting because tracing cryptocurrency transactions and identifying digital evidence requires technical work.

Law enforcement and security professionals have warned that people linked to cryptocurrencies can be targeted. They advise strong physical protection of private keys and devices, careful handling of transfers and prompt reporting of suspicious approaches.