France has recorded 77 cryptocurrency-related cases involving kidnappings, extortion, or attempted kidnappings since the beginning of the year. This represents a significant increase from the 45 cases reported in 2025. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the statistic while speaking to the Association of Digital Asset Holders (ADAN) on June 30.
Security Efforts
Nuñez acknowledged the concerns within the sector and described the incidents as serious. He noted that emergency security measures introduced a year ago had delivered results, with around 200 people arrested either after attacks had taken place or before they could be carried out during the same period. For example, suspects linked to an incident in the Somme region were apprehended within eight hours after the victim activated the dedicated emergency hotline.
New Security Plan
According to Nuñez, a new security strategy has been developed, with three priorities: expanding intelligence sharing, deepening cooperation with ADAN, and improving operational coordination between law enforcement agencies. The plan aims to disrupt criminal groups more effectively and strengthen cooperation with countries where those believed to be organizing the attacks are located. Nuñez stressed that cooperation with foreign authorities remains essential, citing the June 2025 arrest in Morocco of a Franco-Moroccan man suspected of ordering a series of kidnappings targeting the crypto industry.
Recent Attacks
Similar attacks have continued to emerge elsewhere, including a violent robbery in March where a crypto holder was forced to hand over roughly $24 million in digital assets. Blockchain investigators later tracked the stolen funds as they were moved across multiple networks and converted into privacy coins to make tracing more difficult. The minister’s announcement comes as the government seeks to address the growing concern of cryptocurrency-related crimes in France
Based on reporting from crypto.news.
