France Sees Explosion in Crypto Kidnappings: 88 Suspects Charged

Cryptocurrency-related kidnappings in France are transitioning from a fringe threat to a mainstream crisis in France. On April 24, Vanessa Perrée, the national prosecutor for organized crime, revealed that authorities have charged 88 suspects, more than 10 of whom are minors, across multiple cases, including digital asset-related abductions, since 2023.

As per a statement released on April 24, law enforcement has recorded 135 total cryptocurrency-related kidnapping incidents since 2023, underscoring what officials describe as a rapidly evolving criminal trend.

Perrée highlighted the scale of the issue, citing a “significant number of individuals implicated” and warning of “rapidly evolving criminal phenomena.” Authorities also say the number of cases has surged in recent years, rising from 18 in 2024 to 67 in 2025, with 47 incidents already reported in 2026.

Organized networks and data leaks

Investigators say these crimes often involve violent kidnappings or abductions, with victims forced to hand over cryptocurrency or pay ransom in digital assets.

Perrée noted that authorities have identified individuals involved in multiple cases, pointing to structured criminal networks: “The identification of individuals repeatedly involved in several cases… reveals the existence of structured networks.”

Amid the spike in cases, in a post on X, Telegram Founder Pavel Durov recently underscored the gravity of the situation in France, noting that 41 kidnappings were recorded in just the first three and a half months of 2026. He suggested that data leaks and exposure of crypto users’ information may be contributing to the trend, warning that increased access to personal data could lead to more victims.

High-stakes operations

The violence associated with these crimes has forced the deployment of elite tactical units. In September 2025, French police detained seven suspects for kidnapping a 20-year-old Swiss man, who was rescued in Valence during a major operation involving 150 elite GIGN personnel.

The trend is not limited to Europe. In September 2025, two Texas brothers were charged in relation to a violent nine-hour heist in Minnesota.

Authorities warn that cryptocurrency holders are quickly becoming prime targets, as digital assets can be transferred quickly and are harder to trace than traditional funds. 

Experts advise maintaining strict financial privacy by avoiding any discussion of holdings or profits on social media or in public. They also recommend using multi-signature wallets with additional approval or time-locks for large transfers, and keeping a small “decoy” spending wallet on your phone while storing the majority of assets in secure, offline cold storage that cannot be accessed immediately.

Also read: California Man Gets 70 Months for $263M “Cartoonish” Crypto RICO Fraud