France Plans Stronger Security for Crypto Sector After Rise in Kidnappings and Extortion

Highlights:

• France plans stronger crypto security after 77 attacks were recorded since the start of the year.
• Authorities say 200 people have been arrested after attacks or before planned crimes happened.
• New measures will improve intelligence sharing, police coordination, and cooperation with crypto industry leaders.

France is preparing stronger security measures for people and companies working in the cryptocurrency sector. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez made the promise during a meeting with Adan, the French digital asset industry group, according to a June 30 report by BFMTV.

Nuñez said crypto-related attacks have increased in France. Since the start of 2026, authorities have recorded 77 cases linked to kidnapping, unlawful confinement, extortion, or attempted attacks. That number is already higher than the 45 cases reported throughout the past year. The minister said the fear felt by members of the crypto industry is real and understandable. He told sector leaders that the state is taking the issue seriously.

France Reports 77 Crypto-Linked Kidnapping and Extortion Cases This Year

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said France has recorded 77 cases of kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion or attempted crimes linked to the crypto industry so far this year, up from 45 in 2025.… pic.twitter.com/jCariVVI0r

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 2, 2026

French Authorities Say 200 People Have Been Arrested

Nuñez said emergency steps introduced last year have already helped police respond faster. According to him, 200 people have been arrested either after attacks or before planned attacks could take place. He also gave the example of a recent case in the Somme region. In that case, the victim used an emergency contact system. Police then arrested the suspects eight hours after the incident.

France has also created rapid identification platforms for people deemed at risk. These include crypto company leaders, public figures, and people who may hold large amounts of digital assets. At the moment, 724 people are registered on these platforms. That number has increased by 11%.

New Plan Will Improve Intelligence and Police Coordination

Nuñez said the Interior Ministry is preparing a more ambitious security plan for the crypto sector. The plan will focus on three main areas. First, authorities want stronger intelligence work. Some people ordering these attacks may be outside France. Because of that, police want better ways to identify the people behind the crimes, not only those who carry them out.

Second, the government wants closer cooperation with Adan. Officials plan to create a network that connects state services with crypto industry experts. This should help both sides share information faster when a threat appears. Third, France wants better coordination between police units and foreign partners. Authorities believe this will help them move faster against criminal groups.

Crypto Leaders Face Growing Physical Security Risks

The issue has become more serious after several attacks targeting people linked to crypto wealth. Nuñez also mentioned the arrest last June in Morocco of a Franco-Moroccan suspect. The person was accused of ordering several crypto-related kidnappings.

One of the most serious cases involved Ledger co-founder David Balland, who was kidnapped and held captive. Nuñez said the wave of attacks stopped after that arrest. The attacks had started in January 2025 and became more intense by May, especially in Paris. They raised concerns across France’s crypto industry and prompted the government to act more firmly.

For most cryptocurrency firms, the notion of security often involves protection against digital attacks. But the case of France demonstrates that the question of physical security is also becoming quite relevant. The proposed plan seeks to protect individuals in this sphere, increase police efficiency, and prevent crime organizations from launching further assaults.