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France Charges 88 in Nationwide Crackdown on Violent Crypto ‘Wrench Attacks’

Prosecutors say linked cases reveal structured gangs coercing holders to surrender funds through abductions.

Overview

  • National organized crime prosecutors charged 88 suspects in the cases, with 75 held in pre-trial detention and more than 10 identified as minors.
  • The files are grouped into 12 active investigations overseen by specialized magistrates at the Paris Judicial Court.
  • Authorities count 135 crypto-linked incidents since 2023, including 18 in 2024, 67 in 2025, and 47 already in 2026.
  • Investigators report repeat offenders across multiple files, signaling structured networks as they work to identify organizers and money flows.
  • Telegram founder Pavel Durov alleges leaked or sold tax data helped criminals target victims, with media reports noting a former tax employee detained in 2025 on accusations of supplying crypto investor details.