Fake Police Impersonators Force French Couple to Transfer Nearly $1M in Bitcoin

Gate News message, April 21 — Attackers posing as police officers forced a couple in France to transfer nearly $1 million in Bitcoin on April 21. The criminals used impersonation and psychological manipulation, claiming the victims faced legal issues and demanding the funds be moved for “verification” or “legal compliance.” Under pressure and fear, the couple complied with the demand.

The incident represents what security experts call a “wrench attack,” where criminals use threats and coercion rather than technical exploits to steal cryptocurrency. Unlike traditional hacks targeting wallet encryption, this method exploits human vulnerability and fear. Once attackers gain physical access or establish authority through impersonation, encryption and passwords offer no protection against forced transfers.