France, the lauded land of perfume, wine, and fashion, is currently facing a surge in dangerous crime, specifically targeting cryptocurrency holders. Recent data indicates that France has become one of the most perilous countries globally for digital asset investors.
ðŦð· France Accounts for 25% of Global Physical Crypto Attacks
Jameson Lopp, Head of Security at Casa, revealed a shocking statistic: France currently accounts for a staggering 25% of all reported global Physical Attacks intended to force investors to disclose passwords, private keys, or other critical digital information.
These aggressions range in severity from kidnapping and torture to coercion and threats of death. The primary motive is to quickly obtain crypto assets through brute force, bypassing complex digital security systems.
ðĻ Ongoing High-Profile Crimes: From Ledger Co-Founder to Kidnapping-for-Ransom
The wave of violence in France is reflected in a series of audacious crimes throughout the year:
January: David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, and his family were kidnapped for a âŽ10 million ransom. Although Balland was injured, police successfully rescued them and apprehended the criminals.
May (Case 1): The father of a crypto business owner was kidnapped, subjected to electric shock torture, and held for ransom. Police successfully intervened.
May (Case 2): An assailant disguised as a delivery worker attempted to kidnap the infant daughter of an exchange CEO in broad daylight. The plot was foiled before the kidnapping was successful.
June: A 23-year-old crypto investor was kidnapped while running an errand, with the perpetrators contacting his partner to demand a bag containing his Hardware Wallet and cash.
Latest (Last Week): Police arrested six individuals (including two minors) who were allegedly planning to kidnap a man specifically to steal his crypto.
â ïļ Advice for Travelers and Crypto Holders
Given the sequence of these high-profile cases, it is evident that France poses a significant danger if criminals ascertain or track you, discovering that you possess crypto holdings.
Therefore, individuals planning to travel to France should exercise extreme caution and avoid disclosing any information regarding their ownership or use of cryptocurrency in public or even in their daily routines. This is vital for protecting both assets and life from crimes specifically targeting digital wealth.
