French authorities have announced measures to combat a sharp rise in crypto-linked kidnappings, known as wrench attacks. Jean-Didier Berger, a minister delegate to the interior minister, stated a prevention platform has been launched and a more serious plan is being prepared. These actions follow a recent abduction in Burgundy and reports showing France has become a global center for such crimes, with 41 incidents already recorded in 2026.
The French government is taking action against the growing threat of cryptocurrency kidnappings and wrench attacks. Jean-Didier Berger, minister delegate to the interior minister, said authorities are implementing protective measures for investors.
Speaking at Paris Blockchain Week, Berger revealed his office has taken “preventative measures” against crypto wrench attacks. He mentioned launching a prevention platform that has drawn thousands of sign-ups and is working with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez on a more serious plan for the coming weeks.
His comments follow another reported crypto-linked abduction in France this week. A mother and her child were kidnapped in Burgundy, with suspects demanding a $471,000 ransom from the father, a crypto entrepreneur, according to reports.
France has become a prominent center for wrench attacks, where victims are threatened to transfer digital assets. The government now faces growing pressure to respond effectively.
There have been 41 reported crypto-related kidnappings in France since the beginning of the year. This means a similar attack has occurred on average once every 2.5 days in 2026, as reported by a local news outlet.
Wrench attacks increased by 75% in 2025 to 72 verified cases worldwide, according to cybersecurity platform CertiK. France saw the most incidents during 2025, with 19 confirmed attacks, while Europe accounted for roughly 40% of global cases.
In another incident, a French couple in their late 50s was robbed of $1 million worth of Bitcoin by criminals posing as police officers. A month earlier, in February, French police arrested six people over the kidnapping of a magistrate and her mother in a crypto-linked ransom attack.
