France is grappling with a surge in violent crime targeting cryptocurrency investors, with 41 kidnappings reported in the first three and a half months of 2026, a trend Telegram founder Pavel Durov attributes to leaked government data.
"That’s why Telegram would rather leave the French market than give their corrupt bureaucrats access to private messages," Durov stated, linking the kidnappings to criminals obtaining leaked tax information.
The alarming statistic comes amid several high-profile incidents. In one case on April 13, a mother and her 11-year-old child were reportedly kidnapped in Burgundy by four suspects who demanded a 400,000 euro ($471,000) ransom from the father, a crypto entrepreneur. Days later, a family in Ploudalmézeau was held captive for several hours in a home invasion.
The French government has acknowledged the growing threat. Jean-Didier Berger, a minister delegate, said at Paris Blockchain Week on April 16 that authorities are implementing measures to protect crypto investors from these so-called "wrench attacks." The spike in violent crime puts pressure on the government to secure citizen financial data, which could lead to new regulations affecting how crypto ownership is tracked.
Prominent blockchain investigator ZachXBT said he is now prioritizing these incidents. “I prioritize these types of cases as they have grown more frequent amidst this disturbing trend,” the investigator said in a post on X. He urged victims to come forward as soon as possible rather than delaying.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
