TechFlow News, April 25: According to Le Monde, France’s National Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (PNACO) revealed that cases of kidnappings and ransom demands linked to cryptocurrencies have surged sharply since 2023—18 cases in 2024, escalating to 67 in 2025, and reaching 47 so far in 2026, totaling 135 cases. Among the 12 ongoing investigations, 88 individuals—including over 10 minors—have been formally charged, and 75 have been placed in provisional detention.
Prosecutor Vanessa Perret noted that investigations have identified several suspects who repeatedly appeared across multiple cases, revealing the existence of an organized criminal network. Notable cases include: In December 2025, three masked perpetrators in Charente forced a couple to transfer approximately €8 million worth of cryptocurrency; and in January 2025, David Balland, co-founder of the cryptocurrency hardware wallet company Ledger, was kidnapped. PNACO stated it will continue strengthening nationwide criminal enforcement efforts.
