France Prosecutes 88 People, Including 10 Minors, in Connection with 12 Cryptocurrency “Wrenching” Attacks

According to Cointelegraph, Vanessa Perrée, France’s National Prosecutor for Organized Crime, stated that French law enforcement has charged at least 88 individuals—including 10 minors—in connection with 12 “crypto heists” targeting cryptocurrency holders; 75 of those charged are currently in pre-trial detention. Such incidents typically involve violent methods—including home invasions and kidnappings—to coerce victims into surrendering assets stored in their crypto wallets. Perrée noted that some suspects are linked to multiple cases, and investigations have uncovered an organized criminal network behind these crimes. Official records from French authorities indicate 18 such cases in 2024, rising to 67 in 2025, and reaching 47 thus far in 2026.