Why did France record more crypto-related crime cases in 2026?

France recorded 77 crypto-linked kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion and attempted crime cases in 2026, up from 45 cases in 2025. The increase prompted the government to introduce additional security measures for the digital asset sector.

What is France doing to protect the digital asset industry?

France is expanding intelligence sharing, building a network of industry and government experts, and increasing cross-border law enforcement cooperation. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said these measures are intended to improve protection for digital asset sector participants.

How many arrests have French authorities made in the crypto crime investigations?

French authorities said they have arrested about 200 people following crypto-related attacks or during preventive operations. The government also reported that 724 digital asset sector participants have registered on immediate identification platforms, an 11% increase.

Why is France increasing international cooperation on crypto crime?

France is increasing international cooperation because authorities believe some organisers of crypto-related attacks operate outside the country. The government said stronger intelligence sharing and cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies will help identify and disrupt these criminal networks.

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France records 77 crypto crime cases

Q: What crypto-related kidnapping cases have occurred in France?

France has investigated several high-profile crypto-related kidnappings, including the abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland and attempted kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency executives and their families. Authorities have also pursued suspects through cross-border investigations.

Written by Brie CarterPublished Jul 2, 2026, 6:25 AM

France recorded 77 crypto-linked kidnapping, extortion and unlawful detention cases in 2026, up from 45 cases in 2025.
Authorities said about 200 people have been arrested following attacks or preventive operations targeting the digital asset sector.
The government plans to strengthen intelligence sharing, industry cooperation and international coordination to improve security.

France recorded 77 cases of kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion or attempted crimes linked to the digital asset sector in 2026, up from 45 cases in 2025, prompting the government to expand security measures.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the figures during a June 30 address to the Association for the Development of Digital Assets, saying about 200 people had been arrested following attacks or preventive operations and that 724 industry participants had registered on immediate identification platforms, an 11% increase.

“These are serious matters and your concern is legitimate,” said French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.

Nuñez said the government's updated security plan will focus on stronger intelligence sharing, a joint network of industry and government experts, and closer operational coordination with foreign authorities because some suspected organisers are based outside France.

The minister said recent arrests, including suspects detained eight hours after an attack in the Somme region, demonstrate progress in responding to incidents, while following the announcement there was no listed company share price associated with the government measures.

France has faced several high-profile crypto-related kidnappings during the past two years, including the abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland and attempted kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency executives and their family members.

French authorities said they will continue expanding cross-border investigations and intelligence cooperation after the arrest of a suspected organiser in Morocco, as officials treat crypto-related kidnappings as both an organised crime issue and a security challenge for the digital asset industry.