France Sees 77 Crypto Kidnap Cases in First Half of Year, Interior Minister Pledges Enhanced Measures

CoinFeed July 2 news, according to Cointelegraph, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that 77 crypto-related kidnapping and extortion cases occurred in France in the first half of 2026, a significant increase from 45 in full-year 2025. France is one of the world’s largest hotspots for 'wrench attacks', with about 11% of the population holding crypto assets. Authorities have launched a rapid alert system, with 724 registered, and emergency measures have led to 200 arrests. Nuñez pledged a three-part plan to enhance security measures for the crypto industry, including strengthening intelligence sharing, deepening cooperation with ADAN, and improving security sector coordination. CertiK said France has become an attack hub due to several top crypto companies and their executives being based locally, a 'culture of ostentation and voluntary identity disclosure' within the community, and multiple sensitive data leaks.