French Authorities Report Surge in Crypto-Related Kidnappings, Unveil New Security Strategy
France has seen a significant rise in cryptocurrency-related criminal cases, with 77 incidents involving kidnappings, extortion, or attempted kidnappings recorded since the start of the year.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez disclosed the figures on June 30 during a meeting with the Association of Digital Asset Holders (ADAN). This marks a substantial increase from the 45 cases reported in 2025.
While acknowledging the sector’s concerns, Nuñez described the incidents as serious but highlighted the effectiveness of emergency security measures implemented a year ago. He reported that approximately 200 individuals have been arrested in connection with these crimes, either after attacks occurred or before they could be carried out.
As a recent illustration, the minister cited the apprehension of suspects linked to an incident in the Somme region within eight hours of the crime. The victim in that case had utilized a dedicated emergency hotline established for members of the cryptocurrency sector.
Nuñez also noted that 724 individuals within the industry are now registered on the government’s immediate identification platforms, representing an 11% increase in participation. While specific details of the government’s forthcoming actions are yet to be fully revealed, the minister indicated that all departments within the Interior Ministry have developed a new security strategy that is “more ambitious” than previous initiatives.
Three-Pronged Security Plan Targets Intelligence, Cooperation, and Coordination
The new security plan is structured around three core priorities. The first focuses on enhancing intelligence sharing. Nuñez emphasized the importance of robust intelligence gathering on criminal networks, particularly as perpetrators of these crimes are sometimes located outside of France.
The second priority aims to deepen cooperation with ADAN by establishing a network of experts to bridge the gap between cryptocurrency industry participants and relevant government officials.
The third priority centers on improving operational coordination among law enforcement agencies to more effectively disrupt criminal groups. This also includes strengthening collaboration with countries where individuals believed to be orchestrating these attacks are based.
International Cooperation Crucial in Combating Crypto Crime
The minister underscored the continued essential role of cooperation with foreign authorities. He pointed to the June 2025 arrest in Morocco of a Franco-Moroccan man suspected of orchestrating a series of kidnappings targeting the crypto industry. Among the victims was David Balland, co-founder of Ledger. Nuñez stated that this arrest led to the swift cessation of the attacks.
Similar criminal activities have persisted globally. In March, a cryptocurrency holder known online as ‘Sillytuna’ reported being forced by armed assailants to surrender approximately $24 million in digital assets during a violent robbery. The victim recounted that the attackers used weapons and threatened kidnapping and sexual assault unless he transferred control of his crypto holdings.
Blockchain investigators subsequently tracked the stolen funds as they were moved across various networks and converted into privacy coins, a tactic designed to impede tracing efforts.
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