Crypto Kidnappings Surge Across France

France Becomes Europe's Crypto Crime Hotspot

France recorded 77 crypto-linked kidnapping and extortion cases in 2026, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed, a sharp rise from 45 cases logged in all of 2025. Authorities say nearly 200 suspects have been arrested following both reactive investigations and preventive operations.

The figures underscore a deepening crisis. France has become the clear European epicentre of so-called wrench attacks, where criminals use physical coercion rather than hacking to force victims to hand over digital assets. In 2025, global incidents of such ransom attacks rose 75% year-on-year, with France the worst-hit country worldwide, accounting for about 40% of all cases recorded in Europe.

France's national anti-organized crime prosecutor found repeat suspects across multiple incidents, concluding that structured criminal networks are actively recruiting participants and systematically targeting the families of known cryptocurrency holders. Prosecutors and security researchers say leaks of customer data from cryptocurrency platforms have helped criminals identify targets.

Government Responds With Emergency Measures

Interior Ministry delegate Jean-Didier Berger said he is working with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez on a "more stringent response plan" to be deployed shortly, following internal warnings that the threat has evolved from insider disputes to systematic targeting of wealthy individuals and their families. A prevention platform for known digital-asset holders has drawn thousands of registrations.

Authorities are also using a mix of traditional police work and blockchain forensics to trace ransom payments and link suspects to transfers. Nuñez acknowledged that industry concerns are justified but said the emergency measures already in place are beginning to show results.

For a government that has marketed Paris as a crypto and fintech hub under clear rules and MiCA-aligned licensing, the surge in kidnappings now threatens to become a reputational and capital-flight problem. Security researchers warn that crypto holders should reduce their public digital footprint and consider custody tools such as multi-signature wallets and withdrawal limits to reduce exposure.

Sources:
CoinDesk: Inside the Rise of Wrench Attacks Against Crypto Holders
Crypto.news: France Plans Crackdown as Crypto Kidnappings Surge