Surge in Crypto-Related Kidnappings in France: Over 40 Cases Linked to Overseas Gangs Amid Rising Violence

Surge in Crypto Kidnappings in France: Over 40 Cases Linked to Overseas Gangs

France has witnessed a troubling rise in cryptocurrency-related kidnappings, with more than 40 incidents reported since July 2023. A recent police memo reveals that these crimes are orchestrated by overseas gangs targeting young, affluent individuals involved in digital assets.

According to a confidential report from the Organized Crime Information, Intelligence and Strategic Analysis Service of the Judicial Police (SIRASCO), the kidnappings are primarily coordinated by foreign organizers who collaborate with local recruiters. These recruiters, often young individuals with criminal backgrounds, are tasked with identifying and monitoring potential victims through social media platforms.

The victims, predominantly men aged 20 to 35, include investors, entrepreneurs, and influencers who frequently showcase their wealth online. This visibility makes them prime targets for kidnappers, who meticulously track their daily routines and family members, leading to home invasions and abductions.

The alarming trend is further underscored by findings from blockchain security firm CertiK, which reported a staggering 75% increase in “wrench attacks”—violent incidents aimed at extracting cryptocurrency access from victims. In 2025 alone, CertiK documented 72 wrench attacks, resulting in losses exceeding $40.9 million and a shocking 250% rise in physical assaults.

“Kidnapping has become the most common form of wrench attack,” CertiK stated, highlighting the escalating brutality of these crimes. The firm warns that such physical threats now represent a “structural threat” to digital asset ownership, raising concerns among cryptocurrency holders about their safety.

As authorities grapple with this surge in violence, the need for increased awareness and protective measures for cryptocurrency investors has never been more urgent. With overseas gangs exploiting the digital landscape, the intersection of wealth and technology has become a dangerous battleground in France.