Créteil, France — A Binance executive narrowly escaped a violent home invasion attempt on Thursday, underscoring the rising trend of wrench attacks targeting individuals in the cryptocurrency industry. Local authorities reported that David Prinçay, the CEO of Binance France, was the intended victim when three masked assailants attempted to break into his home in Val-de-Marne.
According to reports, the intruders fled after discovering that Prinçay was not present. They managed to steal two mobile phones before being apprehended by law enforcement later that day. The incident took a troubling turn when a woman was injured after the attackers mistakenly searched the wrong residence, highlighting the violent nature of such crimes.
In a statement, Binance confirmed that the family of the targeted executive is safe and cooperating with investigators. The company emphasized its ongoing collaboration with local authorities as the investigation continues. Specific details regarding the identities of the arrested suspects were not disclosed.
The incident raises concerns about an alarming increase in wrench attacks — a term for incidents where physical force is used to steal cryptocurrency. A tracker developed by Bitcoin developer Jameson Lopp recorded over 70 such attacks in 2025 alone, with 14 documented incidents already in 2026. France has seen a particularly troubling surge, accounting for the majority of these attacks.
High-profile cases have marked this troubling trend, including the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife in France last year. They were held for about a day before being rescued by authorities, further emphasizing the dangers associated with cryptocurrency ownership.
As the market evolves, so too do the tactics of those seeking to exploit it. The growing threat of wrench attacks is forcing cryptocurrency investors to be increasingly vigilant, with many now implementing stronger security measures to protect themselves and their assets.
With ongoing investigations and rising tensions within the crypto community, the situation highlights the urgent need for robust security and awareness among those involved in the rapidly evolving world of digital currencies.