Ransomware Attacks in France Surge: 135 Incidents in Two and a Half Years, Involving Minors, 75 Individuals in Custody

BlockBeats News, April 25th - The National Public Prosecutor's Office Against Organized Crime (PNACO) in France issued a bulletin stating that since 2023, a total of 135 cases of cryptocurrency-related kidnappings or attempted kidnappings have been recorded in France.

According to the data, in the 12 cases currently being investigated by PNACO, 88 individuals have been formally charged, including over 10 minors, with approximately 75 individuals in pre-trial detention.

The prosecution stated that the increase in the number of cases is due to the judicial authorities consolidating multiple scattered cases to address the rapid evolution of cryptocurrency-related crime. The data shows that the number of related cases was 18 in 2024, rose to 67 in 2025, and has reached 47 cases as of 2026.

PNACO pointed out that this trend of crime is closely linked to the increasing use of cryptocurrency and has become a significant new form of organized crime.