France responds with new security measures as a string of crypto kidnappings shakes the nation. With three happening in 2025, authorities believe the events are connected.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is working to arrest the perpetrators, protect leading crypto entrepreneurs, and train law enforcement. Still, the father of the most recent victim does not seem satisfied with the measures.
Crypto Kidnapping Wave Strikes France
Typically, crypto thefts take place through hacks and social engineering scams, but that isn’t always the case. In January, a French crypto co-founder was kidnapped in an attempt to steal his private key; he was rescued, but attackers cut a finger off.
Another kidnapping happened in early May, followed by a third attempted this week: a spree is burning through France.
In particular, the details of this last attempted kidnapping shocked the people of France. One woman, the daughter of an exchange’s CEO, was attacked in broad daylight with her partner and 2-year-old child present.
The incident was largely captured on video, further sparking public horror. In response, the authorities have introduced new security measures:
“These repeated kidnappings of professionals in the crypto sector will be fought with specific tools, both immediate and short-term, to prevent, dissuade and hinder in order to protect the industry,” claimed Bruno Retailleau, France’s Interior Minister.
France has enacted a few specific methods to counteract these ambitious kidnapping efforts. Several French crypto leaders have been invited to safety briefings and will receive priority access for emergency calls and regular home visits.
Additionally, law enforcement officers will undergo training on crypto money laundering to better target perpetrators.
Minister Retailleau claimed that several kidnappers have already been arrested. He is also organizing a meeting of France’s prominent crypto entrepreneurs, but the kidnapping victim’s father is unsatisfied.
Pierre Noziat, CEO of Paymium, told local reporters that he believed this upcoming meeting is only a “communications operation.”
Officials believe these kidnappings are all part of a greater ring, and are taking efforts to track and arrest its members across France.
Hopefully, their investigations will bear fruit. Other countries have also seen aggressive criminals stealing keys and hardware wallets, but a violent conspiracy like this is unprecedented.
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