Telegram Founder: Surge in Crypto Kidnappings in France Linked to Tax Data Leak, Will Refuse to Compromise User Privacy

BlockBeats News, April 25th, Telegram founder Pavel Durov posted, stating that in the first three and a half months of 2026, France has witnessed 41 cases of kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency holders, raising concerns about a potential link to data breaches.

He pointed out that some tax information and cryptocurrency user data appear to have been leaked, and even exploited by criminals, leading to a surge in crimes against high-net-worth cryptocurrency users. He warned that "the more data, the more victims."

At the same time, Durov criticized the French government's plan to strengthen regulation on social media user identities and private communications, stating that this would further escalate privacy risks. He emphasized that Telegram would not grant access to users' private information to relevant authorities, and even raised the possibility of "not excluding exiting the French market."