Leaked French data linked to spike in crypto kidnappings

Telegram founder Pavel Durov posted on X that large-scale data leaks, including a breach at France’s Agency for Secure Documents (ANTS) affecting about 19 million people, coincide with 41 crypto-related kidnappings recorded in the first 3½ months of 2026. He warned that leaked names, addresses and phone numbers, as well as data linked to tax authorities, may make holders of digital assets easier targets. His allegation that some tax officials sold data has not been independently verified.

French police have recorded more than 40 kidnappings or attempted abductions of people believed to hold cryptocurrencies since January, up from about 30 cases in 2025. Prosecutors say they have charged 88 people in connection with those cases, including minors in at least a dozen matters. Officials describe incidents that range from brief detentions to violent abductions involving torture and ransom demands, and they say many operations are run by networks based abroad.

Recent cases cited by investigators include the abduction of a woman and her 11-year-old son in Burgundy; both were freed after a large police operation. In Anglet, suspects allegedly targeted a crypto investor but initially seized the wrong people before arrests. A 2025 case involving industry figure David Balland ended with his rescue after attackers severed a finger during a ransom attempt.

“The modus operandi and targeting methods vary,” noted Philippe Chadrys of France’s judicial police. Investigators report that kidnappers typically try to force victims to reveal private keys or passwords or to transfer funds under duress, which can grant immediate access to crypto wallets.

French data protection groups and security researchers report more than 300 services affected this year, with some officials citing roughly 23 million accounts compromised and about 250 million data records exposed. ANTS is reported to have more than 11.7 million affected accounts. A State Payment and Services Agency breach is said to have exposed banking details and social security numbers for millions of people.

Officials are working with European and international partners to trace cross-border networks involved in extortion and kidnapping. Investigations remain active and prosecutors continue to bring charges where evidence supports them.

During the period of increased kidnappings and data disclosures, Bitcoin rose nearly 10% over the past 30 days to about $77,601, while Ether traded near $2,315.