France has recorded a sharp rise in crypto-related kidnappings and extortion attempts this year, prompting authorities to strengthen security measures for the country’s growing digital asset industry.
According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, authorities have registered 77 cases of kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion, or attempted attacks linked to the cryptocurrency sector so far in 2026. The figure represents a significant increase from 45 reported cases in 2025, highlighting the growing security risks faced by crypto entrepreneurs and investors.
Crypto-related crimes continue to rise
Speaking at a June 30 meeting hosted by the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (Adan), Nuñez acknowledged the industry’s concerns and described the attacks as a serious challenge.
“These are serious matters, and your concern is legitimate,” the minister told attendees, while noting that measures introduced over the past year have already produced positive results.
Authorities revealed that nearly 200 individuals have been arrested either after attacks or during preventive operations aimed at disrupting planned crimes.
Nuñez also highlighted a recent case in France’s Somme region, where police arrested suspects just eight hours after an attempted kidnapping.
Meanwhile, 724 digital asset professionals have now enrolled in France’s immediate identification platform, representing an 11% increase as more industry participants seek additional security.
France expands its crypto security strategy
In response to the growing threat, the French government is preparing a broader security plan focused on improving coordination between law enforcement agencies and the crypto industry.
The strategy will concentrate on three key areas.
Stronger intelligence sharing
The first priority is improving intelligence gathering and information sharing, particularly because investigators believe several organizers of these attacks are operating from outside France.
Nuñez stressed that international intelligence cooperation will play a critical role in identifying and dismantling criminal networks responsible for targeting crypto holders.
Closer partnership with the crypto industry
French authorities also plan to deepen cooperation with Adan by creating a network of security experts that will bring together industry representatives and government officials.
The initiative aims to improve communication, share threat intelligence, and develop faster responses to emerging risks.
Better cross-border coordination
The third pillar focuses on strengthening cooperation between French security agencies and international law enforcement organizations.
Since many suspected organizers operate abroad, officials believe closer collaboration with foreign authorities will improve investigations and increase arrest rates.
Crypto executives and their families have become targets
France has experienced several high-profile crypto-related kidnappings over the past two years.
One of the most widely reported incidents involved Ledger co-founder David Balland, who was kidnapped in January 2025. Investigators said the attackers demanded a cryptocurrency ransom, while local media reported that the victim suffered severe violence during the ordeal.
The threat has since expanded beyond company founders.
Earlier this year, French prosecutors charged 25 individuals over multiple attempted kidnappings targeting crypto executives and members of their families. The suspects, aged between 16 and 23, allegedly used stolen vehicles, fake courier uniforms, and social media platforms to organize the attacks.
These incidents have raised concerns that criminals are increasingly using publicly available information to identify wealthy crypto holders.
Authorities continue pursuing criminal networks
French law enforcement has responded with a combination of targeted raids, preventive investigations, and international cooperation.
One major breakthrough came in June 2025 when Moroccan authorities arrested Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou in Tangier. French prosecutors accused him of playing a central role in coordinating several crypto-related kidnapping plots, including the attack involving David Balland.
According to Nuñez, the wave of attacks slowed considerably following Bajjou’s arrest.
Although the government has not released every detail of its updated security strategy, the minister said the new approach would be “more ambitious” than previous efforts.
The plan will focus on faster emergency response, enhanced intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration with crypto companies to better protect industry participants.
A growing security challenge for the crypto industry
The latest figures underline how visible crypto wealth has increasingly attracted organized criminal groups.
Officials also pointed to cases where social media exposure contributed to attacks. In one incident, a French crypto influencer was reportedly released after kidnappers discovered that his cryptocurrency wallet contained little to no funds.
French authorities now view crypto-related kidnappings not simply as isolated crimes but as part of a broader organized crime problem requiring long-term cooperation between governments, law enforcement agencies, and the digital asset industry.
As cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow, protecting investors, executives, and their families is becoming an increasingly important priority.
