Since the beginning of 2026, 77 cases of kidnapping and extortion related to the crypto sector have been recorded in France, Interior Minister Laurent Nounes said. By comparison, 45 such incidents were recorded for the entire year 2025. In connection with the increasing number of attacks, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs promised to strengthen security measures and assured industry participants that their concern is justified.

The authorities have already detained some 200 suspects linked to attacks on crypto users, some of whom are still in the preparatory stage of the crime. In April 2026, France launched a dedicated platform with a hotline for a cryptodetector, which registered 724 people. The system has already proved effective: in a recent incident, police apprehended the attackers eight hours after the victim’s appeal.

The new prevention plan includes three key steps: international information sharing, external expertise from ADAN, and strengthening coordination among local governments to accelerate response. According to CertiK, the total number of so-called "wrench attacks" in the first quarter of 2026 increased by 41% year on year, highlighting the relevance of the French government’s initiatives.