France Launches Emergency Measures After Surge in Crypto Kidnappings and Ransom Attacks

France has witnessed a dramatic surge in cryptocurrency-related kidnappings and wrench attacks.

“Bitget App Trade smarter Open [](https://www”

Bitget

41 reported crypto-linked abductions since the start of 2026, averaging one attack every 2.5 days.

BitKE

Jean-Didier Berger stated his office has launched a prevention platform with thousands of sign-ups.

The spike follows a 75% increase in wrench attacks worldwide in 2025.

France accounted for the most incidents.

A mother and her 11-year-old son were abducted in Burgundy in a ransom plot targeting the father's cryptocurrency business.

France's elite GIGN police unit rescued the victims from a hotel room.

Capital.fr

The kidnappers demanded a 400,000 euro ransom, which was not paid before the rescue.

The mother and son were reported to be in good health.

Other incidents include the kidnapping of Ledger cofounder David Balland.

The French government has implemented protective measures for cryptocurrency executives.

“A decree published on August 24 in the Official Journal now allows business leaders to hide their personal addresses in the national business registry”

Capital.fr

A decree allows business leaders to hide their personal addresses in the national business registry.

Priority access to emergency number 17 and safety checks of homes were established.

The National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office has taken up multiple cases.

This signals a coordinated effort to dismantle criminal networks.

Experts attribute the surge to the rising value of digital assets and increased visibility of wealthy investors.

Criminals recruit executors via encrypted platforms like Signal and Telegram.

crypto.news

The multiplication of data leaks has posed a major threat.

Europol estimates that only 0.15% of illicit funds are in crypto.

The crypto industry is seeking solutions, including insurance products.