Minister Jean-Didier Berger announces new measures to protect cryptocurrency holders following a wave of kidnappings and wrench attacks.
French Deputy Minister of the Interior Jean-Didier Berger declared, speaking at Paris Blockchain Week, that authorities are preparing concrete measures to protect cryptocurrency investors from the growing wave of kidnappings and so-called wrench attacks across the country. Berger confirmed that his office has already implemented “preventive measures”, including the launch of a prevention platform that has gathered thousands of sign-ups, and added that he is working with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez on a more structured plan to be presented in the coming weeks.
The statements come just days after yet another high-profile case: last Monday, a mother and her 11-year-old son were kidnapped in Burgundy by four suspects, who demanded a ransom of 400,000 euros (approximately $471,000) from the father — an entrepreneur in the sector. The victims were released on Tuesday morning and the suspects arrested, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office as reported by France24.
The figures surrounding this phenomenon in France are alarming. Since the beginning of the year, 41 kidnappings linked to cryptocurrencies have been recorded, meaning that, on average, a similar attack has occurred every 2.5 days in 2026, according to local broadcaster RTL. Globally, wrench attacks increased by 75% in 2025, reaching 72 verified cases worldwide, according to cybersecurity platform CertiK. France recorded the highest number of incidents in 2025, with 19 confirmed attacks, while Europe accounted for approximately 40% of global episodes.
