News list70% of global crypto wrench attacks happen in France (41 kidnapping cases this year) — why?
動區 BlockTempo2026-05-24 05:03:04

70% of global crypto wrench attacks happen in France (41 kidnapping cases this year) — why?

ORIGINAL全球 70% 加密板手攻擊都在法國(今年已 41 起綁架案),為什麼?
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Approximately 70% of global crypto wrench attacks occur in France, with 41 crypto-related kidnappings recorded since the beginning of 2026, averaging one every two and a half days. (Previous coverage: French crypto millionaire receives "severed finger video" of father demanding millions of euros in ransom; all 7 perpetrators are in their 20s) (Background: Binance France CEO's residence targeted in attempted robbery, highlighting the wrench dilemma in the crypto industry) On X, it was pointed out that 41 crypto-related kidnappings have occurred in France in 2026, with an attack frequency as high as one every two and a half days. For every 10 crypto wrench attacks globally, 7 occur in France. Bitcoin journalist Joe Nakamoto notes that this figure makes France the most dangerous region in the world for the personal safety of crypto holders, far exceeding other markets. 🚨New Video! This one is very important. 41 kidnappings. 4 months. One country. This is how France became the most dangerous place on Earth to own Bitcoin — and the data leak that made it possible. pic.twitter.com/lRgTjVZ7db — Joe Nakamoto ⚡️ (@JoeNakamoto) May 21, 2026 Nakamoto points to KYC mechanisms as the root cause of this wave of attacks. Major platforms are legally required to collect user identities, home addresses, and contact information. This data is stored centrally on servers but has become a tool for criminals following multiple major data breaches. The most representative case is the 2020 data breach at hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger, where the names, home addresses, and email addresses of over 270,000 global customers were exposed. This data continues to circulate on the dark web, serving as a ready-made list for criminal groups to target victims. The attack patterns are highly organized. According to Nakamoto's observations, these cases are typically planned by criminal masterminds living abroad, who then hire local French youths to carry out the actual kidnappings and extortion. This cross-border division of labor makes investigations significantly more difficult and leaves French authorities struggling to cope. Vanessa Perrée, a national prosecutor for organized crime in France, stated that at least 88 people have been arrested for involvement in crypto wrench attack cases, but the frequency of attacks suggests that the deterrent effect remains limited. Jameson Lopp, CEO of crypto wallet and key management company Casa, warned on X: "France is the canary in the coal mine, demonstrating how financial regulation builds a surveillance machine that causes direct physical harm to Bitcoin holders." Lopp's comments reflect the strong backlash from the crypto and Bitcoin community against KYC regulations. As physical attack cases continue to accumulate, more people are questioning: is mandatory identity verification actually protecting users, or is it creating target lists for criminal groups? Nakamoto offers three practical security recommendations to help holders minimize losses in the event of an attack: - Use custodial services with a duress password: If a holder provides the duress password under coercion, the platform immediately freezes assets and notifies law enforcement. - Prepare a "honey pot" wallet containing a small amount of cryptocurrency to hand over during an attack to ensure personal safety. - Keep a low profile and avoid discussing your holdings online or in public. The case of France serves as a sobering warning: as the value of crypto assets continues to rise, personal safety beyond on-chain security cannot be ignored. The risks associated with centralized management of KYC data suggest that the entire industry needs to find a more prudent balance between regulatory frameworks and user protection.
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Source:動區 BlockTempo
Published:2026-05-24 05:03:04
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