France Launches Emergency Measures After Spike in Crypto-Related Kidnappings

• France reported three crypto-related abductions since January and launched special security measures in response.
• Police will visit crypto professionals and share safety tips while also training to handle digital asset crimes.
• Attackers targeted crypto families to access wallets or demand ransom and officials expect more linked incidents.

A sharp rise in attacks against cryptocurrency professionals has triggered new security measures across France. Since January 2025, authorities have tracked three major incidents involving kidnappings or attempted abductions connected to the digital asset sector.

Two cases resulted in successful kidnappings. The third involved an attempted abduction of a crypto executive’s family. All attacks targeted high-profile individuals tied to digital assets and occurred in different parts of France.

Crypto Families Become Prime Targets

In one alarming event, a crypto executive’s daughter and grandson were ambushed in public. Assailants tried to force them into a vehicle. They resisted and managed to escape. Another incident involved a Ledger co-founder and his wife. They were held hostage and assaulted by attackers earlier this year.

In a separate case, attackers abducted a family member of a crypto firm employee. These patterns reflect a coordinated effort to access sensitive crypto information through physical force.

French Government Responds with Emergency Action

Following these incidents, Interior Ministry leader Bruno Retailleau arranged a meeting with law enforcement and crypto professionals. Officials reached a joint decision to introduce strict safeguards for people in the crypto space.

Among the first steps is the creation of a dedicated emergency hotline. This line will serve crypto professionals and their families only. Police also plan to make regular visits to the premises of at-risk individuals.

Security briefings will take place in person to ensure proper safety understanding. These actions aim to restore confidence among families and limit the chances of further attacks.

Officers Trained to Handle Crypto Crimes

In addition, officers will now receive training on anti-money laundering practices specific to cryptocurrencies . The training prepares them to identify suspicious transactions linked to attackers.

Investigators believe the recent crimes may belong to a wider network of criminal operations. Police have already arrested several suspects involved in the incidents. The organized crime prosecutor’s office is managing the investigation and continues searching for others.

Criminals Seek Access to Crypto Wallets

Authorities report that attackers sought access to private keys and crypto wallets. In some cases, digital asset ransoms were requested. In others, suspects tried to directly steal stored crypto.

Data shows that 14 out of the top 50 global crypto-related physical attacks in the last year occurred in France. This places the country among the highest globally for physical threats involving digital currencies.

Crypto Sector Calls for More Protection

Stakeholders welcomed the new security efforts but remain concerned about ongoing threats. They stress the need for deeper cooperation with law enforcement. Executives at the government meeting also urged stronger security responses.

Officials reminded the public not to share financial details on social media. Research found attackers often track online behavior and crypto conference activity before planning attacks.