Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Alleges French Tax Authorities' Complicity in Selling Crypto Investor Data and Kidnappings

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has raised shocking allegations that French tax officials are selling the personal information of cryptocurrency investors to criminal organizations. Durov identified this complicity by state agencies as the root cause of the "kidnapping epidemic" that emerged in France in early 2026. Over a period of approximately 14 weeks from January to mid-April 2026, a total of 41 crypto-related kidnapping cases were reported in France, threatening the safety of investors.

More data means more leaks and more victims. French tax authorities are selling crypto owners' data to criminals, and large-scale tax database leaks support this.

As of 2026, the cryptocurrency security situation in France has deteriorated significantly. According to reports from MEXC News and KuCoin, a crypto-related kidnapping occurs in France every 2.5 days on average this year. This suggests that beyond a simple increase in crime, organized attacks targeting specific asset holders have become routine, raising concerns that France is emerging as a global hub for crypto-related crime.

The Reality of Crypto Kidnapping Crimes Sweeping France in 2026

The surge in crime within France is even more pronounced when compared to global trends. Compared to the 72 confirmed crypto-related kidnapping cases worldwide throughout 2025, the 41 cases in France alone in early 2026 are highly unusual. Currently, France accounts for about 40% of all crypto ransom attacks in Europe, showing that crime is concentrated in France after the global crime rate jumped 75% the previous year.

• 41 crypto kidnapping cases occurred in France during the first 3.5 months of 2026
• Approximately 40% of crypto-related ransom attacks in Europe are concentrated in France
• French authorities indicted 88 people for related crimes in 2026
• Spread of "Wrench Attacks," which seize assets through physical coercion

Criminal organizations mainly use physical coercion known as "wrench attacks." Perpetrators follow a consistent pattern of kidnapping crypto holders or their families, holding them for hours to days, and subjecting them to assault and threats until digital assets are transferred. These attacks form a fatal link where online data leaks lead to offline physical violence, instilling real fear in investors.

A recent large-scale data leak of 19 million records in France is cited as a major cause accelerating this security crisis. Durov criticized policies where the state demands identity information and even private messages of social media users, which ultimately results in providing criminals with more sophisticated targeting information. He particularly slammed the state's negligence, mentioning the possibility of information leaks from within the tax system.

Allegations of State Complicity and Pavel Durov's Stance

Pavel Durov's remarks are an extension of the long-standing conflict between him and the French government. Durov, who has been under judicial control since his arrest in France in 2024, has had continuous friction with French intelligence authorities. He made specific claims that French tax authorities are selling investor data to criminal organizations, warning that the government's strengthened data collection will produce more victims.

The crypto community in France is reacting sensitively to these allegations. Although authorities are showing investigative results, such as indicting 88 related criminals in 2026, no official explanation or investigation into the allegations of tax official complicity has been conducted as of April 27, 2026. Among investors, there is distrust in the government's security management capabilities and a loud call for urgent self-protection measures.

Experts analyze that the French case offers important implications for crypto regulators worldwide. If data collected for asset transparency is not properly protected, investors may be exposed to extreme risks of physical threats beyond the loss of assets in digital space. Whether the French government releases investigation results regarding Durov's complicity allegations is expected to be key to restoring market trust in the future.