French government to meet crypto leaders over rising kidnapping threats
France’s Interior Ministry is reportedly set to meet with key players in the country’s crypto industry on May 16 to tackle a rising wave of kidnappings targeting digital asset entrepreneurs, Le Monde reported on May 14.
According to the report, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said the planned gathering will focus on improving security awareness and response strategies across the sector. He stressed that the meeting aims to help firms understand the risks and protect themselves more effectively.
He reportedly said:
“I will assemble business people working in cryptocurrencies, and we have a few of those in France, at the Interior Ministry to work with them on their security, and so that they become aware of the risks. We must jointly take measures to protect them.”
Retailleau also warned that law enforcement is prepared to pursue attackers across borders if necessary.
High-profile crypto kidnappings
The government’s move comes days after an attempted abduction involving the daughter and grandson of a French crypto executive.
Videos circulating on X showed three masked attackers confronting the victims, who sustained minor injuries. The assailants fled after the woman’s husband intervened, later abandoning their vehicle nearby.
A France24 report revealed that the intended victim is the daughter of the CEO and co-founder of Paymium, a prominent French crypto exchange.
Meanwhile, this incident is part of a broader pattern of physical attacks on crypto holders, often called “wrench attacks.” These involve using threats or violence to extract wallet access or force asset transfers.
One of the most disturbing cases in France involved Ledger co-founder David Balland and his partner, who were reportedly tortured and held for ransom. Balland had a finger severed during the ordeal.
Similar crimes have surfaced in the US, where prosecutors say three teenagers kidnapped a man in Las Vegas and stole $4 million in crypto and NFTs. The victim was later left in a remote part of the Arizona desert.
