France is experiencing a sharp rise in crypto-related kidnappings, with authorities logging 135 incidents since 2023 — 18 in 2024, 67 in 2025, and 47 already in 2026. The country's national anti-organized crime prosecutor confirmed the trend is accelerating.
Across 12 cases, 88 individuals have been charged, including more than 10 minors. Seventy-five of those charged are currently held in pretrial detention, according to reporting by Le Monde.
The cases follow a consistent pattern: victims are abducted or unlawfully detained and coerced into transferring crypto assets as ransom. The rapid year-on-year increase signals that crypto wealth — whether real or perceived — is drawing increasingly organized criminal attention in France.
Original content
France Sees Surge in Crypto-Related Kidnappings, 88 Charged
According to Le Monde, France’s national anti-organized crime prosecutor said crypto-related kidnapping cases are rapidly increasing. A total of 88 individuals have been charged across 12 cases, including over 10 minors, with 75 held in pretrial detention.
Authorities have recorded 135 such incidents since 2023, including 18 in 2024, 67 in 2025, and 47 so far in 2026. These cases typically involve abduction or unlawful detention, with victims forced to transfer crypto assets as ransom.
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