Pavel Durov Links 41 Crypto Kidnappings in France to Data Leaks

Telegram founder Pavel Durov links 41 crypto kidnappings in France to data leaks, warning rising risks from expanding data collection systems.

A sharp rise in crypto-related kidnappings in France has raised serious safety concerns. Pavel Durov reported that 41 such cases occurred in just 3.5 months of 2026. Additionally, he attributed such cases to personal information leakage and ineffective data security measures.

Durov Blames Data Leaks for Rising Crypto Kidnappings

Durov alleged that criminal gangs might have accessed sensitive information in tax records. He implied that insiders could have sold information about crypto holders. Thus, it was easier to find and attack rich people.

Moreover, it was reported that there was a significant breach at Agence Nationale des Titles Securises. This was a violation that revealed personal information of approximately 19 million individuals. As a result, the names, addresses and phone numbers might have been accessed by criminals.

Related Reading: France Crypto Kidnappings Hit One Every 2.5 Days in 2026

Such attacks are commonly referred to as wrench attacks in the crypto world. In these instances, offenders coerce victims to hand over digital resources at threat. As a result, physical safety risks have increased alongside digital threats.

Moreover, Durov cautioned that data leakage poses a risky situation to crypto users. Criminals are able to move fast and with confidence when personal information is made public. Therefore, the issue is not only digital but also physical and immediate.

Attacks Increase as Criminals Use Data to Target Victims

According to statistics, there was one kidnapping related to cryptocurrency every 2.5 days in France. This trend shows an increasing trend of organized crime against crypto holders. Additionally, hackers tend to mix stolen information with social media usage.

As an illustration, online profiles of luxurious lifestyles or huge investments can be studied by attackers. Then, they compare this information to leaked databases to locate targets. Thus, users who post personal information publicly increase the risk.

Victims are, in most instances, approached physically and compelled to open wallets. Consequently, money can be sent immediately with no recovery options. This exposes crypto holders to a greater risk than traditional bank users.

Durov also cautioned that the situation could be aggravated by increasing the amount of data collected by the government. He stated that gathering additional personal data provides bigger targets to hackers. Consequently, any subsequent violation would put even more people at risk.

Government Plans Response as Privacy Debate Grows

The French government has begun to develop new safety measures for crypto users. Governments are developing protection initiatives and sensitization. Indeed, thousands of individuals have already signed up for a prevention platform that was recently launched.

However, Durov is still critical of government data collection policies. He thinks that the introduction of digital IDs and access to personal messages may pose more risks. Hence, he cautioned that these measures can negatively affect the security of users rather than positively.

Also, Durov proposed that Telegram might re-evaluate its French presence. He has already had legal problems in the country and is sensitive to privacy requirements. As a result, future decisions may depend on how policies evolve.

Meanwhile, the crypto wealth is turning into a conspicuous target. Digital assets are also transferable within pressure, unlike traditional banking. Thus, crypto holders are perceived as valuable targets by criminals.

To sum up, the increase in the number of crypto kidnappings reveals a severe connection between data security and personal safety. Although the authorities are working on solutions, the risk of data leakage is still high. Thus, more robust protection systems and cautious data processing will be necessary in the future.