French prosecutors charge 88 individuals linked to crypto wrench attacks

French authorities have charged 88 individuals, including 10 minors, in connection with a series of kidnappings and extortions targeting cryptocurrency owners. These charges stem from 12 judicial investigations overseen by the National Public Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime (PNACO). Of the 88 charged, 75 are in pretrial detention. The criminal organizations involved use physical violence to force victims to transfer cryptocurrencies. National prosecutor Vanessa Perrée highlighted the gravity of these offenses due to the harm inflicted and the duress used. French authorities advise crypto holders to be cautious on social media and wary of solicitations from individuals posing as authorities. Crypto wrench attacks have seen a significant rise, with CertiK reporting a 75% increase in 2025 and approximately $41 million in losses. The article also references the January 2025 abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife, where suspects demanded a 10 million euro ransom.

(Source：The Block)