France reports 77 crypto kidnapping and extortion cases in 2026

France has recorded 77 cases of kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion, or attempted crimes linked to the crypto sector so far this year, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. 

The figure marks a rise from 45 cases in 2025, as officials move to strengthen protection for digital asset industry actors.

France moves to widen crypto security plan

Nuñez shared the figures during a June 30 address to the Association for the Development of Digital Assets, according to BFM Business. He told industry members, “These are serious matters and your concern is legitimate,” while arguing that emergency steps taken over the past year had started to work.

The minister said about 200 people had been arrested either after attacks or during preventive operations. He also referred to a recent case in the Somme region, saying suspects were arrested eight hours after the incident. Nuñez added that 724 sector actors had registered on immediate identification platforms, an 11% rise.

New measures focus on intelligence and coordination

The new plan will focus on three areas. Nuñez said the first is stronger intelligence sharing, especially because some alleged organizers are based outside France. He said, “Intelligence sharing is fundamental and extremely effective,” adding that authorities need more information on teams ordering attacks.

The second area is a closer partnership with Adan. The ministry plans to build a network of experts that will include industry actors and state officials. The third area is stronger operational coordination between services, along with cooperation with countries where alleged sponsors are present.

Cases have targeted executives and families

France has faced several violent crypto-linked cases over the past year. As crypto.news reported, Ledger co-founder David Balland was released after being kidnapped in January 2025. Authorities said kidnappers demanded a crypto ransom, while French media reported that the case involved severe violence.

The trend later widened to relatives of crypto industry figures. As previously reported, French prosecutors charged 25 people in June 2025 in connection with attempted kidnappings targeting crypto figures and their families. The suspects were aged between 16 and 23, and authorities linked several plots to stolen vehicles, fake courier branding, and social media recruitment.

Arrests continue as officials pursue organizers

The official response has included raids, preventive checks, and cross-border police work. Crypto.news reported that Moroccan authorities arrested Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou in Tangier in June 2025. French prosecutors accused him of playing a key role in several abduction plots, including the Balland case.

Nuñez said the series of attacks stopped suddenly after the Morocco arrest. He did not give full details of the new plan, but said it would be “more ambitious” than earlier steps. The ministry now aims to combine faster alerts, wider intelligence work, and closer links with crypto industry groups.

The latest figures show that French authorities still face a broad security problem tied to visible crypto wealth. Crypto.news also reported that a French influencer was released after kidnappers found his wallet was empty, showing that social media activity can also draw criminal attention. French officials are now treating the issue as both an organized crime matter and a sector security concern.