Crypto Security in France: A New Reality
The French cryptocurrency industry is grappling with a disturbing trend: a series of high-profile kidnappings targeting entrepreneurs and their families. This has led to increased security concerns and prompted the French government to take decisive action.
In response to this threat, France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has announced a package of enhanced security measures specifically designed to protect crypto professionals. These measures include:
- Priority access to police emergency lines
- Home security assessments conducted by law enforcement
- Safety briefings from French law enforcement to ensure individuals are following best practices
Retailleau emphasized the government’s commitment to combating this alarming trend, stating, “These repeated kidnappings of professionals in the crypto sector will be fought with specific tools, both immediate and short-term, to prevent, dissuade and hinder in order to protect the industry.”
As part of the security initiative, law enforcement officers will undergo specialized training to combat crypto asset laundering, a critical component of disrupting criminal operations in the crypto space.
A Rise in Crypto-Related Crime
The recent kidnappings are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader pattern of criminal activity targeting the crypto sector. According to data compiled by Bitcoin cypherpunk Jameson Lopp, there have been over 150 crypto-related robbery or kidnapping incidents since 2014, with a significant increase in 2025. This surge has understandably raised alarm bells within the industry.
Lopp highlighted the methods often used by these criminals, warning individuals to be cautious about sharing personal information, flaunting wealth online, and engaging in peer-to-peer trades with unknown individuals.
The severity of the situation was highlighted by several high-profile incidents this year. In January, David Balland, co-founder of the crypto hardware wallet provider Ledger, was kidnapped from his home in France and held captive for over a day. In May, assailants attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of the French crypto platform Paymium, in broad daylight. Fortunately, they managed to escape the attack.
The French government’s swift response demonstrates the seriousness of the situation. The security measures announced are intended to provide immediate relief and deter future attacks. However, it’s crucial for the crypto community to be vigilant, take necessary precautions, and work collaboratively with authorities to ensure the safety of the industry and its members.
