Crypto-Linked Kidnappings Rise Sharply: 132 Cases Since 2024, Prosecutors Warn

Crypto kidnappings rise sharply as data leaks expose wealthy holders and organized crime networks expand.

France is facing a growing wave of kidnappings tied to cryptocurrency, drawing concern from both authorities and international observers. In many cases, criminal groups are targeting individuals linked to digital assets and demanding ransom in crypto. Over the past two years, reported incidents have risen sharply, based on law enforcement data. Consequently, officials warn that these attacks are becoming more coordinated and increasingly violent.

88 Charged in France Crypto Kidnapping Crackdown

The National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (PNACO) reports a sharp escalation in crypto-related abductions. Prosecutor Vanessa Perrée revealed that authorities recorded 18 incidents in 2024, rising to 67 in 2025 and 47 already in 2026. 

These cases involve kidnappings, forced detentions, and extortion, with victims pressured to transfer digital assets. Investigators have charged 88 individuals in connection with 12 ongoing cases. 

More than 10 of those charged are minors, pointing to a worrying recruitment trend among younger participants. Meanwhile, authorities have placed 75 suspects in pretrial detention. Perrée also noted that several individuals appear in multiple cases, suggesting the existence of structured criminal networks.

Linked Crypto Kidnappings Reveal Organized Crime Pattern Across France

Recent arrests point to a coordinated pattern across multiple cases. Police detained three men, aged 25 to 30, over a November 2025 kidnapping in Challes-les-Eaux. A month later, investigators linked two of them to another case in Dompierre-sur-Mer.

Suspects now face charges including kidnapping, extortion, unlawful detention, and money laundering. A fourth suspect was arrested in a related operation and is also in custody.

Across these incidents, violence remains a consistent and troubling feature. In December 2025, attackers kidnapped a couple and forced them to transfer about €8 million in crypto. The victims were tied up and beaten for hours. 

In another case in Paris, kidnappers took the father of a crypto investor and held him for nearly 58 hours. He was badly injured during the ordeal, as criminals pressured the family to pay ransom.

One of the earliest high-profile cases involved David Balland, co-founder of Ledger. He and his partner were abducted in January 2025. Authorities later found his partner tied up in a vehicle, while Balland was released separately. That case marked the beginning of what officials now describe as a sustained wave of targeted attacks.

Data Leaks Fuel Surge in Crypto Kidnappings, Pavel Durov Warns

Growing concern now centers on what is driving this trend and how criminals are identifying targets. Telegram founder Pavel Durov linked the increase in crypto kidnappings to data leaks and weak data protection. He said exposed tax records may have helped criminals identify wealthy crypto holders.

A major breach at France’s national identity agency exposed personal data of about 19 million people. Names, addresses, and phone numbers may have reached criminal groups, making targets easier to find. These incidents are often called “wrench attacks,” where criminals use threats or force instead of hacking.

Coordination between police units and specialized crime teams has improved, helping authorities respond more effectively to these cases. However, the growing number of incidents continues to put pressure on enforcement efforts.

Prosecutors plan to tighten legal measures and increase cooperation across regions to tackle the problem. As more people adopt digital assets, new financial opportunities are emerging, but so are real-world risks. Experts warn that privacy and personal safety should be treated as seriously as digital security.

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