France Averages One Crypto Kidnapping Every 2.5 Days, Authorities Finally Take Action
France has emerged as a global hotspot for "crypto kidnappings" and wrench attacks, with an average of one incident every 2.5 days in 2026, totaling 41 cases so far. In a recent event, the wife and 11-year-old child of a crypto entrepreneur were abducted in Burgundy, with a ransom demand of €400,000. The victims were rescued, and suspects were arrested.
Facing growing pressure, French Interior Ministry Undersecretary Jean-Didier Berger announced at Paris Blockchain Week that authorities are developing a more "serious" protection plan for cryptocurrency investors, to be unveiled in the coming. This follows the launch of a prevention platform that has already registered thousands of users.
According to data from CertiK, wrench attacks—where victims are threatened or assaulted to force digital asset transfers—increased by 75% globally in 2025, with France accounting for 19 confirmed cases. Europe represents about 40% of such incidents worldwide. Other high-profile cases include a couple robbed of $1 million in Bitcoin by impersonators and the kidnapping of a judge and her mother in a crypto-related extortion attempt.
marsbit04/17 01:52