France to Introduce New Measures to Combat Crypto-Related Kidnappings, 41 Cases Reported in 2026

Gate News message, April 16 — France is preparing new measures to protect cryptocurrency holders, according to Jean-Didier Berger, a representative of France's Interior Ministry, speaking at Paris Blockchain Week. Authorities have launched a prevention platform that has already attracted thousands of registrations, and officials are developing stricter response protocols in coordination with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, expected to be implemented within weeks.

France has recorded 41 crypto-related kidnappings in 2026, averaging one incident every 2.5 days. Globally, such "wrench attacks" surged 75% year-over-year in 2025, with France being the hardest-hit country worldwide and accounting for approximately 40% of all incidents in Europe.