41 crypto kidnappings in France, Durov blames data leaks

A sudden rise in crypto-linked kidnappings in France is colliding with a growing debate over data security. Pavel Durov had claimed that leaks of personal data may be putting digital asset holders at risk. In an X post, he highlighted that there have been 41 kidnappings of crypto holders in France in just 3.5 months of 2026.

Telegram founder alleges that sensitive user data is making investors easier targets. This includes information held by tax authorities. He also pointed to a major breach involving France’s Agency for Secure Documents. Reports suggest that data from around 19 million people was exposed. This means that names, addresses, and phone numbers have been leaked. 

France charges 88 in crypto kidnapping cases 

French authorities seem to be framing the situation more cautiously. Officials had reportedly confirmed that more than 40 crypto kidnappings or attempted abductions have been recorded since January. This marks a sharp increase from last year. According to police, the trend gained momentum in 2025. Last year saw around 30 such cases reported.

“The modus operandi and targeting methods vary,” said Philippe Chadrys of France’s judicial police. He noted that many operations are directed by networks operating from abroad. The incidents range from short-term abductions to more violent cases involving torture and ransom demands.

In one recent case, a woman and her 11-year-old son were kidnapped in Burgundy. They were later freed after a large-scale police operation. In another case, suspects in the town of Anglet reportedly targeted a crypto investor but mistakenly abducted the wrong individuals before being arrested.

Meanwhile, some cases have turned particularly brutal. In 2025, David Balland was kidnapped with attackers cutting off one of his fingers while demanding ransom. He has been a prominent figure in the crypto industry. However, he was later rescued, but the case pointed out how far criminal groups are willing to go.

French prosecutors reportedly said they have now charged 88 individuals in connection with crypto-related kidnappings. This includes minors across at least a dozen cases.

Durov’s claims have added fuel to worries that data exposure could be adding to the threat. He even warned that expanding government access to digital identities and encrypted communications could worsen the situation if systems are compromised. He asserts that tax officials are directly selling data. However, the source still remains unverified, but the major issue remains the same that leaks are real.

Mass data leaks in France

French data protection groups report millions of compromised records across multiple breaches. It has affected everything from public services to private companies. The scale of exposure has led some experts to warn that sensitive financial and personal data may already be circulating among criminal networks.

Authorities say crypto-related kidnappings often follow a similar pattern. Cases show that victims are identified as holding digital assets, abducted, and pressured to transfer funds under duress. Unlike traditional bank accounts, crypto wallets can be accessed instantly if private keys or passwords are revealed. This makes them attractive targets for extortion.

Seb, President of the French Federation for Data Protection, in a post mentioned that France is set to become the 2nd most hacked country in the world in 2026. He added that this is a scathing reality check as Europe prepares to impose widespread identity scanning. Over 300 French services affected, 23 million accounts compromised, over 250 million data records exposed, he further added.

He dropped a list, which suggests that  France Titres (ANTS) saw over 11.7 million accounts exposed. The State Payment and Services Agency leaked the banking details and social security numbers of millions of French people.

The crypto market remained turbulent after a few days of recovery. Bitcoin price has surged almost 10% over the last 30 days. BTC is trading at $77,601 at the press time. Ether saw a week of decline, shedding 5% of its gain. ETH price stood at $2,315 at the press time.

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