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6 clusters · 33 sources · 36 days · First seen about 1 month ago · Last updated 1 day ago

Rise in cryptocurrency-linked kidnappings in France

Overview

The surge in violent cryptocurrency-related crimes in France has evolved into a significant trend of kidnappings and extortions. The National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office (PNACO) has recorded 135 kidnappings or attempted kidnappings linked to cryptocurrencies in the country. This represents a sharp upward trajectory compared to previous years, with parliamentary inquiries noting approximately 60 attacks in 2025 and 40 in 2024.

Recent incidents illustrate the increasing severity of these tactics. In Nice, two masked men held a mother and son captive to steal a cryptocurrency account valued at $25,000, seizing passports and mobile devices to obtain access codes. In Ploudalmézeau, Finistère, four men were recently indicted following an April 20 attack where five family members were held captive. During that incident, criminals extorted a digital wallet password, resulting in a loss of approximately 700,000 euros. The investigation into the Finistère case involved a police operation with 40 military personnel.

Criminal networks continue to utilize “data-driven targeting,” aggregating information from tax management services, professional sites like LinkedIn, and social media to identify individuals with significant digital wealth. This profiling allows organized crime groups to pinpoint victims involved in blockchain technology.

Entities

France · Chainalysis · Snapchat · Somme · Finistère

Timeline

1 day ago

[CRIME] 4 sources
Finistère kidnapping: Four indicted in 700,000 euro crypto extortion
Four men were indicted and two detained for kidnapping a family in Finistère, France, to extort approximately 700,000 euros in cryptocurrency.
4 days ago

[CRIME] 4 sources
France sees rise in cryptocurrency-linked kidnappings and extortion
Cryptocurrency-related kidnappings and extortions are increasing in France, with 135 cases recorded by authorities as criminal networks target digital asset holders through data leaks and social media.
18 days ago

[CRIME] 4 sources
ZachXBT links M1llionz to $667K stolen in French crypto raids
Investigator ZachXBT has linked a French cybercriminal known as M1llionz to $667,000 stolen during two violent cryptocurrency home invasions in France in April 2026.
23 days ago

[CRIME] 7 sources
France emerges as global epicenter for violent cryptocurrency attacks
France has become a global hotspot for violent cryptocurrency crimes, including kidnappings and home invasions, with 30 attacks already recorded in 2026 according to Chainalysis.
about 1 month ago

[CRIME] 4 sources
France: Couple targeted by three home invasions due to leaked crypto data
A French couple was targeted by three separate home invasions in one month after leaked dark web data wrongly linked their new home to a €1 million cryptocurrency fortune belonging to previous owners.
about 1 month ago

[CRIME] 14 sources
France Tops Crypto Wrench Attacks, $30M Stolen in H1 2026
Chainalysis says $30 M was stolen in crypto wrench attacks H1 2026, with 46 global incidents, 37% home invasions, and France leading with 30 attacks linked to a tax‑record breach.

Sources

abmedia.io · avoise.mairie72.fr · bitcoinethereumnews.com · blocktempo.com · btc-echo.de · capital.fr · coinacademy.fr · coindeskjapan.com · coinedition.com · coinpaper.com · cointrust.com · crypto.news · cryptoast.fr · cryptobreaking.com · decrypt.co · defimedia.info · en.coin-turk.com · esteval.fr · estrepublicain.fr · falko-beitz.de · innovations.fr · journalducoin.com · la-chronique-agora.com · lanouvelletribune.info · lejsl.com · livecoins.com.br · news.bitcoin.com · news.heraldcorp.com · rennes-infos-autrement.fr · skoob.com · stv.seoul.co.kr · tronweekly.com · venturesquare.net

This summary has been updated 5 times: see revision history