Security· ★★★· bearish·

France records 135 crypto kidnappings since 2023 but only five convictions

  • —135 crypto kidnappings since 2023: 18 in 2024, 67 in 2025 and 47 in the first four months of 2026
  • —88 people charged and 75 remanded, including more than ten minors
  • —Only five notable rulings handed down, all against foot soldiers
  • —16% of perpetrators are minors and 70% are aged 18-29
Why it matters: The pattern shows masterminds of crypto kidnappings remain beyond the reach of courts while recruits are hired for a few hundred euros, keeping the risk alive for large crypto holders.
Source: Journal du Coin
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