France Faces Surge in Crypto Investors Kidnapping after Tax Data Leaks

Kidnappings and violent assaults targeting crypto investors in France have climbed sharply, driven by organised gangs allegedly using leaked tax data to identify wealthy holders.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov attributed a sharp rise in crypto-related kidnappings in France to leaks of tax data allegedly sold by a former tax official.

In a post on X, Durov highlighted the severity of the issue, citing 41 reported kidnappings of crypto investors in France since the beginning of 2026, averaging one incident every 2.5 days.

French prosecutors report over 100 crypto-linked kidnappings since 2023, with dozens already in 2026, showing a sustained pattern of targeted…