TLDR:
- France leads global statistics for cryptocurrency-related kidnappings so far in 2026.
- Tax data leaks and attacks on platforms like Waltio facilitate the identification of victims.
- Authorities face growing pressure following violent incidents against executives and private users.
In Europe, digital security has become a somber topic. In France alone, crypto insecurity has escalated to the point of turning the country into the world’s crypto-kidnapping capital. At the start of 2026, multiple “wrench attacks” were recorded—a modus operandi where criminals use physical violence to coerce victims into transferring their assets.
Recent data from specialized media and Gravitas security reports reveal that France led the global list with 19 recorded attacks in 2025 and has already seen 6 cases in the first two months of 2026. Notable incidents include the attempted home invasion of the Binance France CEO and the kidnapping of a sector entrepreneur’s partner.
The criminal acts recorded in the Gallic nation are not random; rather, they appear to be driven by serious security breaches in official agencies and private services. Consequently, the investor community lives in a state of constant alert due to the sophistication and brutality of these organized gangs.
Causes Behind the Surge in Physical Attacks and Lack of Deterrence
One of the primary reasons behind this wave of crypto insecurity in France is the massive leak of sensitive data. It was recently revealed that a tax agency employee provided investor information to criminals, compounded by the hack of the Waltio platform, which exposed the data of 50,000 customers.
Furthermore, experts from firms like TRM Labs point out that as adoption grows, criminals prefer to bypass technical defenses to target the individual directly. This trend is exacerbated by the use of messaging apps to recruit young people who carry out these assaults for minimal payments.
In summary, while French police have made arrests, the lack of exemplary convictions seems to be fueling a sense of impunity in the region. Therefore, pressure is mounting on the government to stiffen penalties and improve physical protection protocols for citizens who hold digital assets.
