France Faces Surge in Crypto Kidnappings Amid Data Leak Fears

• France reports multiple crypto-linked kidnapping attempts, heightening security fears.
• Claims of a tax data leak linking filings to crypto holdings intensify safety concerns.
• Rising threats coincide with the cancellation of NFT Paris, underscoring personal risk.

France has recorded a surge in crypto-linked kidnapping attempts over the past days, alarming the country’s digital asset community. Authorities confirmed at least three attempted abductions tied to cryptocurrency holdings during this short period.

The incidents emerged as reports surfaced about a tax employee leaking crypto asset data to an unidentified client. Together, the developments have raised serious concerns about personal safety for crypto holders in France.

Officials have not publicly named suspects connected to the alleged data leak. However, industry figures have linked recent attacks to leaked tax information tied to declared crypto assets.

Wave of Kidnappings Targets Crypto Holders

France has reported more than 20 kidnappings or violent attacks targeting crypto professionals and their families since January 2025. Fears have increased throughout the local Web3 ecosystem as a result of the recent spike.

On January 6, attackers forcibly restrained a woman inside her home in Manosque. The assailants demanded access to her partner’s cryptocurrency holdings. Another incident occurred the same day in Manosque. Masked gunmen tied up a woman and stole a USB device containing crypto keys.

Three days later, attackers kidnapped an engineer from his home in Saint-Léger-sous-Cholet. The victim reportedly worked in a technical field linked to digital assets. Attackers also targeted a Verneuil-sur-Seine cryptocurrency investor on January 9. The attackers tied up and beat the investor and family members inside their home.

These incidents followed four attempted kidnappings reported within four days in early January 2026. Industry leaders issued urgent warnings after the attacks. French police have disrupted some plots. Officers rescued a Swiss crypto professional in Valence and arrested multiple suspects during coordinated raids.

Despite these actions, authorities acknowledged that many attackers remain at large. The cases draw attention to ongoing security threats associated with digital wealth. Industry leaders have linked possible insider data leaks to the violence. They pointed to strict crypto tax reporting rules as a possible exposure point.

Farokh, a crypto industry insider, warned of a direct link between tax data and targeting. He urged French crypto taxpayers to remain cautious. “We’re now at four kidnapping attempts in four days,” Farokh said. He referenced claims involving a government employee leaking taxpayer information.

Related: France Urges EU to Give ESMA Full Control Over Crypto

NFT Paris Cancellation Adds to Industry Tension

The kidnappings coincided with the cancellation of NFT Paris and RWA Paris 2026 on January 5. Organizers cited a global crypto market collapse and rising costs. The cancellation disappointed sponsors and attendees. Several sponsors reported non-refundable expenses linked to the event.

One sponsor shared an email citing contract clauses. The message said non-refundable costs exceeded total sponsorship contributions. Organizers promised refunds for all ticket holders. However, they did not commit to reimbursing sponsors for sunk costs.

Art market analyst Arthemort linked the cancellation to broader security concerns. He referenced previous crypto-related kidnapping cases reported over the past year. While organizers focused on financial reasons, insiders pointed to rising safety fears. The recent violence has intensified scrutiny around public crypto events.

Security experts have issued practical guidance. They recommended avoiding public wallet disclosures and restricting online exposure. They also recommended using pseudonyms and strengthening personal security routines. These measures aim to reduce visibility to potential attackers.

The recent incidents show how risks are increasing as cryptocurrency ownership goes beyond trading. French authorities continue to investigate both the kidnapping attempts and the alleged data leak. Officials have not released further details.