France records 77 crypto-related kidnappings and extortion cases in first half of year, a sharp increase from 45 cases in all of 2025

Odaily French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that France recorded 77 crypto-related kidnapping and extortion cases in the first half of 2026, a significant rise from 45 cases throughout the entire year of 2025. Authorities have launched a rapid alert system, with 724 people registered, and emergency measures have led to 200 arrests. Nuñez pledged to introduce a three-part plan to strengthen security measures in the crypto industry, including enhanced intelligence sharing, deeper cooperation with ADAN, and improved coordination among security agencies.

CertiK stated that France has become a center for attacks, citing reasons including the presence of multiple leading crypto companies and their executives based locally, a “culture of炫耀 and voluntary disclosure of identity” within the community, and multiple sensitive data breaches. (cointelegraph)