France promises tougher response as crypto wrench attacks hit 77

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez promised a “more ambitious” three-part plan to reinforce security measures for the crypto sector.

France averaged nearly three crypto wrench attacks per week this year, with French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirming there were 77 kidnapping, extortion or attempted extortion incidents linked to crypto in the first half of 2026. 

Nuñez said Tuesday that the 77 incidents recorded so far this year are up sharply from the 45 recorded in all of 2025, according to local outlet BFM Business.

“These are serious matters, and your concern is legitimate,” he told the Association for the Development of Digital Assets (ADAN) as he promised more government support.

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