- Crooks targeted a Binance executive in a failed wrench attack on Thursday.
- Local media reported that it was Binance France CEO.
- Wrench attacks have surged in France.
Binance has confirmed that a member of its team is safe after local media reported that the crypto exchange’s French CEO was targeted in a failed wrench attack.
French publication RTL reported Friday that three hooded men tried to break into the Val-de-Marne home of David Prinçay, the executive, on Thursday.
When they realised he wasn’t at home, they stole two phones and left before being caught by police later in the day, according to reports. A woman was also hurt in the incident after the attackers searched the wrong home, RTL added.
“There are reports circulating regarding one of our French employees. We can confirm that he and his family are safe and actively working with law enforcement,” Binance said in an emailed statement.
“We understand that three individuals connected to this matter have been arrested by authorities. The investigation remains ongoing, and we are continuing to cooperate fully,” the exchange added.
Binance would not respond to further questions from DL News and did not name which employee was targeted.
Prinçay and French cops did not immediately respond to questions.
Wrench attacks — when physical violence is used to steal crypto — surged in 2025. A tracker created by Bitcoin developer Jameson Lopp counted more than 70 attacks during the year.
These attacks have haunted the crypto sphere for years, but a string of high-profile violent attacks over the past year has significantly raised the threat level for crypto investors.
And 2026 hasn’t gotten off to a good start: Lopp’s tracker has so far counted 14 incidents.
A large number of wrench attacks are happening in France, too, with 11 of 14 2026’s incidents taking place in the European nation.
Wrench attacks have happened for years but made headlines in 2025 when crooks kidnapped David Balland, co-founder of crypto hardware wallet brand Ledger, and his wife in France.
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. Got a tip? Email at mdisalvo@dlnews.com.
