PANews reported on April 17th, citing Bloomberg, that French authorities are attempting to reassure digital asset executives and investors amid a series of kidnappings and attempted kidnappings threatening the country's plans to become a crypto hub. Jean-Didier Berger, a representative of the French Interior Minister, stated that a series of new measures to protect crypto asset holders are being prepared, but did not provide specific details. During Paris Blockchain Week, police escorted VIP dinner guests to the Palace of Versailles, and organizers increased security measures.

So-called "wrench attacks" (the violent acquisition of crypto assets) have surged in France, accounting for more than a third of all publicly reported attacks globally since the beginning of 2025. This year alone, France has seen approximately 40 crypto-related kidnappings and attempted kidnappings, averaging about three per week. On Tuesday morning, a woman and child were kidnapped in the Yonne department of France. The attackers demanded a $400,000 cryptocurrency ransom and threatened to harm the child's father. Police deployed approximately 100 officers in the pursuit, rescuing the hostages and arresting seven suspects early Wednesday morning.