Crypto-related violent crime is escalating in France. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez revealed on June 30 that the country recorded 77 cases of kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion, and attempted crimes linked to digital assets so far in 2026 — up from 45 cases in 2025.
Minister: Emergency steps working, but threat remains serious
Nuñez told members of the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (Adan): “These are serious matters and your concern is legitimate.” He argued that emergency measures taken over the past year have started to yield results. According to BFM Business, about 200 people have been arrested either after attacks or during preventive operations. He cited a recent case in the Somme region where suspects were arrested within eight hours. Additionally, 724 sector actors registered on immediate identification platforms, an 11% increase.
New security plan: intelligence, expert network, cross-border action
Nuñez outlined three focus areas. First, stronger intelligence sharing — some alleged organizers are based outside France, making intelligence “fundamental and extremely effective.” Authorities need more information on teams ordering attacks. Second, a closer partnership with Adan to build a network of experts including industry actors and state officials. Third, stronger operational coordination between services combined with cooperation with countries where alleged sponsors are present.
Executives and families targeted; violence intensifies
France has seen a series of violent crypto-linked cases over the past year. Ledger co-founder David Balland was kidnapped in January 2025; kidnappers demanded a crypto ransom, and French media reported severe violence. The trend later widened to relatives of crypto figures. In June 2025, French prosecutors charged 25 people in connection with attempted kidnappings targeting crypto figures and their families. Suspects ranged from 16 to 23 years old; plots involved stolen vehicles, fake courier branding, and social media recruitment.
Key arrest in Morocco halts attack wave
French authorities have conducted raids, preventive checks, and cross-border police operations. In June 2025, Moroccan authorities arrested Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou in Tangier. 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 provide full details of the new plan but said it would be “more ambitious” than earlier steps. The ministry now aims for faster alerts, broader intelligence work, and closer ties with crypto industry groups.
The latest figures highlight how visible crypto wealth has become a major security issue. Crypto.news also reported that a French influencer was released after kidnappers found his wallet empty, showing that even social media activity can attract criminal attention. French officials now treat the problem as both organized crime and sector security concern.