Telegram Founder Claims French Officials Sold Crypto Data, Linked To 41 Kidnaps
France has emerged as a focus in a rising wave of kidnappings that, more and more, seem tied to crypto property. According to authorities, there have been 41 instances this yr alone, reflecting a pointy escalation of a wider worldwide pattern also known as “wrench assaults.” (*41*)
The hyperlink between the assaults and crypto publicity has additionally been raised publicly by Telegram founder Pavel Durov. Durov has pointed to what he says are alleged connections involving French tax officers promoting crypto house owners’ information to criminals, alongside claims of main tax database leaks. (*41*)
Durov Accuses France Of Increasing Crypto Kidnapping Risks
In his feedback made Friday on social media website X (beforehand Twitter), he argued that increasing the move of information inevitably creates extra alternatives for theft and misuse. (*41*)
“More information means extra leaks, extra victims,” he mentioned, criticizing French state efforts that will require identification data and entry to non-public messages on social media platforms. (*41*)
Reports recommend that the kidnapping sample in France didn’t seem suddenly. Instead, the crypto-linked incidents started as scattered instances in late 2024. (*41*)
Throughout 2025, the dimensions remained restricted in contrast with what adopted, with round 30 reported nationwide. That modified in 2026, when the tempo has accelerated noticeably. Authorities report that assaults at the moment are taking place each few days, signaling a shift from remoted incidents to a extra systematic risk.(*41*)
Interior Ministry information signifies that these crypto-related kidnappings now account for greater than half of all organized kidnappings tracked by Sirasco, the nation’s intelligence unit centered on organized crime. (*41*)
State Plans Wider Crackdown
In response, the federal government is shifting towards a extra aggressive strategy. At Paris Blockchain Week, officers outlined plans for a broader crackdown and launched a brand new prevention platform aimed toward supporting the crypto neighborhood. (*41*)
The platform is meant to supply risk alerts and sensible safety steering, whereas additionally providing direct communication pathways with legislation enforcement. Officials mentioned extra measures are at the moment in growth.(*41*)
These steps embody making a devoted police unit centered particularly on crypto-related crime, enhancing velocity and coordination with worldwide businesses, and increasing using blockchain analytics to hint ransom funds. (*41*)
Featured picture from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com (*41*)
