Security· ★★★· bearish·

France records 135 crypto-related kidnappings since 2023

  • —PNACO: 135 crypto kidnappings in France since 2023, with 47 cases opened in the first four months of 2026
  • —In Vendin-le-Vieil a family was held bound for three hours until €40,000 in crypto was transferred
  • —A couple near Montpellier was attacked on April 11 and September 29, 2026; four suspects detained
  • —Attackers target private key holders directly, bypassing technical wallet security
Why it matters: A surge in physical attacks on crypto holders in France makes privacy and personal security critical for anyone holding large sums.
Source: Cointribune
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