The Ministry of Interior of France reported that the country has emerged as the global epicenter of crypto-related kidnappings in early 2026, with a sharp rise in violent “wrench attacks” targeting crypto holders. These crimes involve physical coercion, abduction, and torture to extract private keys and digital assets. This can be fueled by data breaches and leaks from tax authorities and crypto platforms like Waltio, which exposed up to 50,000 users’ information. Recently, about 19 wrench attacks were reported in France last year, the highest of any country globally.
The Capital of Crypto-Related Kidnappings
Crypto insecurity has escalated to the point of turning France into the world’s crypto-kidnapping capital. Notable incidents include the attempted kidnapping of Binance France CEO David Princay on February 12, a failed home invasion in Val-de-Marne, and the 30-hour abduction of a magistrate and her mother in the Drome region, where the victims were held in a garage, but escaped with the assistance of neighbors; no ransom was paid.
These incidents are a few of the high-profile cases that are reported, while many others go unreported. Six suspects were arrested, including a minor, in the case of the kidnapping of the magistrate. In January 2025, kidnappers seized the French crypto boss David Balland, the co-founder of a crypto firm, Ledger, and his partner. The kidnappers cut off his fingers and demanded a hefty ransom. He was freed the next day, while his partner was found tied up in the boot of a car outside Paris.
11 of 14 known global physical cryptocurrency cases in 2026, as of mid-February, are recorded in France, according to the database on GitHub. The primary reason behind this wave of crypto insecurity is the massive leak of sensitive data. During early 2025, the public had already tried to address the issue and bring it to the attention of the authorities, citing the dangers of the states under MiCA and TFR, along with the GDPR incompatibilities.
The ubiquitous nature of digital assets makes it a more convenient target to steal. Additionally, the increasing adoption has led the criminals to prefer to bypass technical defenses to target the individual directly, which is exacerbated by the use of messaging apps to recruit young people, who carry out these assaults for minimal payment.
MiCA Set to Enhance Security for Digital Asset Holders
Although the French cops have already made arrests, the lack of exemplary convictions seems to fuel a sense of impunity in the region. Therefore, the pressure is mounting on government officials to strengthen penalties and improve physical protection protocols for citizens who hold digital assets. Blockchain Forensics is the technical process used by French cops to track ransom paid in BTC or Monero. Multi-signature wallets are often cited as a preventative measure.
Paul Midy, a lawmaker, has introduced the legislation to automatically remove business leaders’ home addresses from public records, targeting a key vector used in attacks. Additionally, MiCA, the EU regulatory framework projected to come into full force by mid-2026, is expected to enhance security. Many crypto investors are adopting ‘stealth wealth’ practices, avoiding public visibility, while others hire armed security. Though the French Interior Ministry has initiated emergency security assessments for high-risk individuals, law enforcement struggles to keep pace with the organized and transnational nature of these gangs.
