French Authorities Unveil Protective Measures Against Crypto Kidnappings at Blockchain Week

French authorities, led by Jean-Didier Berger, announced immediate protective steps like home check-ups, elite police briefings, and a prevention platform at Paris Blockchain Week, with broader measures coming soon amid 41 crypto-related incidents in 2026. This builds on a minister's April 16 alert following wrench attacks up 75% globally last year and high-profile cases including a €400,000 ransom kidnapping and $1M Bitcoin robbery. Lawmakers advanced rules mandating declaration of self-custodied crypto over €5,000, potentially denting retail sentiment and self-custody for Bitcoin while aiming to curb crimes and reassure investors.