Authorities in France announced that many people were questioned regarding kidnappings and acts of violence targeting cryptocurrency holders. In 12 different investigations carried out by the Paris Judicial Court, a total of 88 people, 10 of whom were minors, were accused. These people face charges of kidnapping and forced cryptocurrency transfer linked to an organized crime group. Among the 88 people, 75 are currently detained.
Organized crime syndicates target crypto holders
According to the written statement of the National Prosecutor’s Office against Organized Crime (PNACO), criminal organizations kidnap people who have crypto and force the victims to transfer their digital assets by applying different degrees of physical violence. The statement emphasized that such crimes are “particularly serious” due to both the damage they cause to the victims and the methods that involve the forced transfer of cryptocurrencies.
“The crimes of kidnapping, detention and transfer of crypto assets by threat carried out by organized gangs have a special importance in terms of both the damage they cause to the victims and the severity of the methods applied.”
The prosecutor’s office pointed out that individuals who increase their visibility on crypto assets, especially on social media, are at risk. In the warning made to the public, crypto holders were advised to avoid posts that would reveal their digital assets and details that would reveal who they are.
Increase in crypto attacks and notable cases
There has been a significant increase in the number of such attacks in recent years. According to data from blockchain analysis company CertiK, “crypto key extortion attacks” increased by 75 percent in 2025. It was announced that a total of approximately 41 million dollars worth of losses occurred in these incidents.
In a recent incident, David Balland, one of the founders of crypto hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger, and his wife were kidnapped from their home in central France in January 2025. The attackers demanded a ransom of 10 million euros from Balland’s family.
Authorities also urge digital asset owners to be wary of scammers or fake officials requesting physical address information. Due to the decentralized structure of cryptocurrencies, users who are more vulnerable than traditional financial institutions can become targets.
Warning from the prosecutor’s office: Be careful
PNACO recommends that crypto holders not be too visible on social media and do not share wallet addresses where their digital assets are held. It was also reported that suspicious people who ask for identity or address information should never be responded to. Authorities asked to immediately contact the police units in case of victimization.
These comprehensive operations in France aim to increase both the safety of victims and deterrence against increasing crypto-focused violence. As far as announced, the investigations are still continuing and it is stated that new detentions may be made.
