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<h3 id="what-to-know">What to know:</h3>
<ul>
 <li>France recorded 77 crypto-related kidnapping cases, prompting expanded security operations.</li>
 <li>Investigators uncovered remotely coordinated criminal networks recruiting local attackers online.</li>
 <li>Officials increased intelligence cooperation to proactively protect cryptocurrency holders nationwide.</li>
</ul>
France has recorded 77 crypto-related kidnappings, abductions, extortion cases, and attempted attacks since the beginning of 2026. The growing number of incidents has pushed authorities to strengthen operations against criminal groups targeting cryptocurrency holders across the country. 
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez <a href="https://www.bfmtv.com/crypto/cryptomonnaies-laurent-nunez-promet-de-renforcer-la-securite-des-acteurs-du-secteur_AD-202606300994.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">described</a> the situation as serious while announcing a broader national security strategy. According to Nuñez, emergency operations have already led to the arrest of around 200 suspects connected to the investigations. He also said the government will improve intelligence sharing, strengthen expert cooperation, and expand international coordination to dismantle the networks behind the attacks. 
Authorities believe organized crime groups increasingly view cryptocurrency investors as attractive targets. Consequently, law enforcement agencies are expanding preventive measures while pursuing those planning and directing the attacks. 
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<h2 id="investigators-uncover-an-organized-attack-model">Investigators uncover an organized attack model</h2>
According to the Central Office for Combating Organized Crime, known as OCLCO, many of the incidents follow a similar operational pattern. OCLCO head Thibaut Fontaine said the masterminds rarely participate in person. Instead, they coordinate attacks remotely through mobile phones while recruiting local offenders through social media. 
Fontaine explained that investigators continue to <a href="https://36crypto.com/crypto-heist-surge-in-france-as-armed-gang-forces-e700k-transfer/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">identify networks</a> that rely on expendable recruits to carry out physical attacks. Moreover, some operations have failed because organizers acted on inaccurate or incomplete intelligence about their intended victims. 
Officials believe this structure makes investigations more difficult because those directing the crimes often remain far from the attack locations. However, authorities continue expanding intelligence capabilities to identify the individuals coordinating the operations. Besides increasing domestic enforcement, France is also working with international partners to disrupt cross-border criminal activity linked to these cases. 
<h2 id="security-concerns-extend-beyond-france">Security concerns extend beyond France</h2>
Recent investigative findings highlight how quickly the threat has grown. Reports indicate that France experienced a <a href="https://36crypto.com/crypto-kidnappings-surge-in-france-as-data-leaks-expose-investors/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">crypto-related kidnapping</a> approximately once every 2.5 days during the first 100 days of 2026. That frequency has increased concerns among security agencies and participants in the cryptocurrency industry. 
Meanwhile, according to Bitcoin developer Jameson Lopp, France has become a global warning sign for the digital asset sector. He argued that mandatory financial regulations and compliance requirements could unintentionally expose cryptocurrency holders by creating information that criminals may exploit. Privacy advocates have echoed similar concerns, saying the recent attacks reflect broader risks associated with financial surveillance. 
French authorities, however, remain focused on dismantling the criminal organizations responsible for the violence. Additionally, the Interior Ministry plans to strengthen intelligence cooperation, build specialized investigative expertise, and improve international coordination to reduce future attacks targeting digital asset holders. 
<h2 id="government-expands-long-term-response">Government expands long-term response</h2>
Officials say the latest security measures form part of a wider strategy to prevent additional incidents while disrupting organized crime networks. The government intends to combine intelligence gathering with stronger cooperation between domestic and international agencies to identify those directing the attacks. 
In conclusion, France’s response reflects a broader effort to address the growing connection between organized crime and digital assets. Authorities now aim to prevent further attacks while strengthening protection for cryptocurrency holders across the country. 
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The post <a href="https://36crypto.com/france-records-77-crypto-kidnappings-as-authorities-expand-crackdown-on-organized-crime/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">France Records 77 Crypto Kidnappings as Authorities Expand Crackdown on Organized Crime</a> appeared first on <a href="https://36crypto.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">36Crypto</a>.

France Records 77 Crypto Kidnappings as Authorities Expand Crackdown on Organized Crime

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