Authorities in France have interrogated dozens of individuals linked to a string of kidnappings and violent attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders. According to the Paris Judicial Court, 88 suspects, including 10 minors, face charges in connection with 12 separate investigations. The allegations center around organized crime groups accused of kidnapping victims and coercing them to transfer digital assets. Of those charged, 75 are currently in custody.
Organized crime targets crypto owners
A written statement from the National Office for the Fight Against Organized Crime (PNACO) highlighted that criminal networks have been abducting people known to possess cryptocurrencies, subjecting them to varying degrees of physical violence and forcing them to hand over their digital assets. The statement emphasized that such crimes are “especially serious” due to both the harm inflicted on the victims and the violent methods used to obtain crypto transfers.
“Kidnapping, unlawful detention, and forced crypto asset transfers committed by organized gangs carry particular significance, given the damage to victims and the severity of the methods involved,” stated PNACO.
Authorities also warned that individuals who draw too much attention to their crypto holdings on social media face increased risk. In a public advisory, crypto owners were urged to avoid sharing details that reveal the extent of their assets or their identities online.
Spike in crypto-related attacks and notable incidents
The number of these attacks has surged in recent years. Blockchain analytics firm CertiK reported that “forced crypto key extraction attacks” jumped by 75 percent in 2025, leading to estimated losses of nearly $41 million. These figures point to a worrying escalation, with digital asset owners increasingly in the crosshairs of criminals.
One high-profile case involved the January 2025 abduction of Ledger hardware wallet co-founder David Balland and his spouse from their central France home. Their captors demanded a ransom of €10 million from Balland’s family, attracting significant media attention to the vulnerabilities faced by high-profile crypto entrepreneurs.
Officials further cautioned digital asset holders about scammers or imposters posing as authorities and soliciting information such as physical addresses. Given the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies, users often lack the safety nets found in traditional finance and can become prime targets.
Prosecutors caution: Stay vigilant
PNACO is advising crypto holders to maintain a low profile on social networks and not to reveal the addresses of wallets containing their digital assets. The office also urged people never to respond to suspicious requests for identity or address information. In the event of an attack, victims are encouraged to contact law enforcement immediately.
The large-scale crackdown underway in France is intended both to safeguard victims and deter future crypto-related violence. Prosecutors noted that investigations are ongoing, with the possibility of additional arrests as authorities press forward against these organized rings.
