Crypto Holders Becoming Targets: France Reports Sharp Rise in Kidnapping and Extortion Cases
Jul 02, 2026
When Owning Crypto Becomes a Physical Security Risk
For years, cryptocurrency crime mostly happened behind a keyboard. Hackers stole private keys, phishing sites emptied wallets, and ransomware groups demanded Bitcoin or Monero.
That picture is starting to change.
French authorities revealed this week that they have already recorded 77 cases of kidnappings, unlawful detention, extortion, or attempted attacks connected to cryptocurrency so far this year. That's a significant increase compared to the previous year and highlights a growing trend that worries investigators across Europe.
Instead of trying to break into exchanges, criminals are increasingly targeting the people who own the assets. Victims have reportedly been threatened or abducted and forced to unlock hardware wallets, reveal recovery phrases, or authorize crypto transfers under duress.
Unlike a stolen credit card, a cryptocurrency transfer is often irreversible once confirmed.
Police say these crimes require a different response than traditional cybercrime because they combine digital assets with real-world violence. As cryptocurrency adoption grows, authorities expect physical attacks against investors and business owners to remain a major concern.
Discussion
Do you think hardware wallets and strong OPSEC are enough anymore, or has personal security become just as important as digital security?
For years, cryptocurrency crime mostly happened behind a keyboard. Hackers stole private keys, phishing sites emptied wallets, and ransomware groups demanded Bitcoin or Monero.
That picture is starting to change.
French authorities revealed this week that they have already recorded 77 cases of kidnappings, unlawful detention, extortion, or attempted attacks connected to cryptocurrency so far this year. That's a significant increase compared to the previous year and highlights a growing trend that worries investigators across Europe.
Instead of trying to break into exchanges, criminals are increasingly targeting the people who own the assets. Victims have reportedly been threatened or abducted and forced to unlock hardware wallets, reveal recovery phrases, or authorize crypto transfers under duress.
Unlike a stolen credit card, a cryptocurrency transfer is often irreversible once confirmed.
Police say these crimes require a different response than traditional cybercrime because they combine digital assets with real-world violence. As cryptocurrency adoption grows, authorities expect physical attacks against investors and business owners to remain a major concern.
Discussion
Do you think hardware wallets and strong OPSEC are enough anymore, or has personal security become just as important as digital security?