Cryptocurrency-linked kidnappings surge in France as 88 suspects face charges

France is witnessing a sharp rise in kidnappings and extortion cases linked to cryptocurrencies, with 88 individuals now formally charged across 12 ongoing investigations, according to the national anti-organised crime prosecutor’s office (Pnaco).

According to Chainalysis, of those accused, 75 have been remanded in custody. More than 10 of the suspects are minors, underscoring what prosecutors describe as a rapidly evolving criminal phenomenon tied to cryptoassets.

Vanessa Perrée, head of the Pnaco, said authorities have recorded 135 such incidents since 2023, with a marked acceleration in recent years. There were 18 cases in 2024, rising to 67 in 2025, followed by 47 already in 2026.

The offences typically involve abductions or unlawful detention, often accompanied by violence, with perpetrators demanding ransom payments or transfers in cryptocurrency. Prosecutors also point to evidence of repeat offenders operating across multiple cases, suggesting the presence of structured criminal networks.

One recent case involved the abduction in November 2025 in Challes-les-Eaux in southeastern France, leading to the arrest and charging of three men aged between 25 and 30. Two of them are also linked to a separate kidnapping in December 2025 in Dompierre-sur-Mer on the Atlantic coast, where a couple was allegedly held captive and forced to transfer around €8 million in cryptoassets.

In that investigation, a further suspect has also been arrested and detained. Defence lawyers for one of the accused have denied the allegations.

The trend gained wider attention following a high-profile kidnapping in January 2025 involving David Balland, co-founder of cryptocurrency firm Ledger, and his partner, who were later released after being held hostage.

Authorities say the increase reflects “significant and rapidly evolving criminal patterns” tied to digital assets, prompting calls for a strengthened judicial response across France.

By Aghakazim Guliyev