A leaked French police report reveals that overseas criminal masterminds are behind many recent cryptocurrency-related kidnappings in France. Between July 2023 and the end of 2025, authorities recorded 40 such organized cases, with more than half targeting crypto holders or sector workers. Victims, mostly young men flaunting their wealth online, face rising threats coordinated through local recruiters.
French police have identified overseas kingpins as the orchestrators of numerous cryptocurrency-motivated kidnappings in the country, according to a confidential memo from the Organised Crime Information, Intelligence and Strategic Analysis Service (SIRASCO) of the Judicial Police. The document, reported by French media outlet Franceinfo, details 40 organized kidnapping cases between July 2023 and the end of 2025 linked to crypto motives. More than half specifically involved holders of cryptocurrencies or individuals working in the sector.
The attacks have continued into 2026, with two additional incidents this year. In early 2026, a failed attempt targeted the French CEO of Binance in Val-de-Marne. Another case in January saw a gang in Isère torture a 74-year-old man, under the mistaken belief that his son was a wealthy crypto investor.
SIRASCO notes that the masterminds, operating from outside France, collaborate directly with local intermediaries who recruit attackers. These recruiters typically hire individuals under 30 with prior records in theft, violence, or drug trafficking. Some recruits are assigned to intimidate victims online, while others execute the kidnappings or hold captives.
Victims share a common profile: mostly males aged 20 to 35, including investors, entrepreneurs, and social media influencers active in the crypto world. Police profilers indicate that these individuals often "freely flaunt" their luxurious lifestyles and crypto-derived wealth on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Such posts allow criminals to gather details on victims' daily habits and those of their families, who are also targeted.
As crypto-related violence escalates globally, security experts advise crypto owners to enhance personal security and for firms to establish policies on kidnappings and ransoms.