France has emerged as the focal point in a growing wave of kidnappings that increasingly appear to be linked to cryptocurrency assets. According to authorities, there have been 41 cases this year alone, reflecting a sharp escalation of a broader international trend often referred to as “traumatic attacks.”
The link between the attacks and cryptocurrency exposure has also been publicly raised by Telegram founder Pavel Durov. Durov pointed to what he says are alleged communications involving French tax officials selling cryptocurrency owners’ data to criminals, along with allegations of major tax database leaks.
Durov accuses France of increasing the risk of cryptocurrency hijacking
In his statements on Friday on the social networking site X (formerly Twitter), he said Argue Expanding data flows inevitably creates more opportunities for theft and misuse.
“More data means more leaks, more victims,” he said, criticizing the French state’s efforts to require identity information and access to private messages on social media platforms.
Reports indicate that the pattern of kidnapping in France did not emerge all at once. Instead, cryptocurrency-related incidents began as sporadic cases in late 2024.
Throughout 2025, the extent remained limited compared to what followed, with about 30 cases reported nationwide. That changed in 2026, when the pace accelerated significantly. Authorities reported that attacks now occur every few days, indicating a shift from isolated incidents to a more systematic threat.
Interior Ministry data suggests that cryptocurrency-related kidnappings now account for more than half of all organized kidnappings tracked by Sirasco, the country’s intelligence unit focused on organized crime.
The state plans a broader crackdown
In response, the government is moving toward a more aggressive approach. At Paris Blockchain Week, officials shown It planned a broader crackdown and introduced a new protective platform aimed at supporting the cryptocurrency community.
The platform aims to provide threat alerts and practical security guidance, while providing direct communication paths with law enforcement authorities. Officials said additional measures are currently under development.
These steps include creating a dedicated police unit specifically focused on cryptocurrency-related crimes, improving speed and coordination with international agencies, and expanding the use of blockchain analytics to track ransom payments.
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