TLDR
- Telegram founder Pavel Durov says leaked tax data is fueling a surge in crypto-related kidnappings in France
- France has seen around 41 crypto kidnappings in early 2026 — roughly one every 2.5 days
- A former French tax official, Ghalia C., was detained in 2025 for allegedly selling crypto investor data to criminals
- High-profile cases include the kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland and a family held hostage in Burgundy
- Durov says Telegram would exit France rather than give authorities access to private messages
France is facing a growing wave of violent crime targeting cryptocurrency holders. Telegram founder Pavel Durov has publicly linked the trend to leaked tax data and the alleged actions of a former government official.
Durov posted on X that around 41 crypto holders have been kidnapped in France since the start of 2026. That works out to roughly one case every 2.5 days.
41 kidnappings of crypto holders in France in 3.5 months of 2026.
Why?
🥖 French tax officials selling crypto owners' data to criminals (Ghalia C.) + massive tax database leaks.
Now the state also wants IDs and private messages of social media users.
More data = More victims.
— Pavel Durov (@durov) April 24, 2026
“More data = more victims,” Durov wrote, pointing to what he described as large-scale tax database leaks and the misuse of crypto investor records by criminals.
The concern is straightforward. When criminals get access to names, addresses, and financial details, they can identify wealthy crypto holders and target them in person.
Durov specifically named Ghalia C., a former French tax official detained in June 2025. She is accused of selling data on crypto investors and professionals to criminal groups. That data was then allegedly used to plan physical attacks and extortion.
High-Profile Cases
Several incidents have drawn wide attention. In January 2025, Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife were kidnapped. Balland had his hand mutilated during the ordeal before being rescued.
In April 2026, a mother and her 11-year-old child were kidnapped in Burgundy. Four suspects demanded a 400,000 euro ransom from the father, described as a crypto entrepreneur.
A separate home invasion in Ploudalmézeau saw a mother, her two children, and their grandparents held captive for several hours. The incidents span multiple regions across France.
In May 2025, a crypto CEO’s daughter was targeted in a daylight kidnap attempt in Paris. A crypto investor’s relative was also abducted, with the ransom demanded in cryptocurrency.
These cases show a shift from isolated incidents to a repeating pattern of organized crime targeting crypto holders.
Law Enforcement Response
French authorities say they are taking the threat seriously. Jean-Didier Berger, minister delegate to the interior minister, spoke at Paris Blockchain Week on April 16 and confirmed that measures are being put in place to protect crypto investors.
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT also said he is now prioritizing these types of cases. “I prioritize these types of cases as they have grown more frequent,” he posted on X, urging victims to reach out quickly.
Durov, however, pushed back on the idea that expanding state access to data would help. He argued it increases risk and said Telegram would rather leave the French market than allow French authorities access to private messages.
As of April 2026, French authorities have confirmed ongoing investigations and multiple arrests linked to organized criminal networks, including some with cross-border connections.
