Legibloq

Crypto Security in France: Why Discretion Matters

Paul Stelizuk
Paul Stelizuk
06/16/2025
(06/06/2025)

Kidnappings and Extortion in France: A Growing Threat for Cryptocurrency Holders

Crypto security in France faces new challenges, with a recent wave of kidnappings and attempted abductions targeting cryptocurrency holders and industry figures. The most publicized cases include:
  • January 2025 - Paris: David Balland, Ledger co-founder, abducted and mutilated to force his partners to pay a crypto ransom;
  • January 2025 - Côte-d’Or: Dijon’s BRI foiled a plot to abduct a couple identified as crypto investors.
  • May 2025 - Paris: the daughter and grandson of Paymium’s CEO narrowly escaped a street kidnapping;
These incidents show that criminals will not hesitate to threaten relatives. They do so under the false belief that crypto transactions are anonymous. In reality, every transfer is immutably recorded on-chain; investigators can trace funds step by step, making conversion to fiat extremely difficult. This transparency turns such crimes into high-risk, low-reward ventures.
In response to the surge in kidnappings, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau convened sector entrepreneurs to draft dedicated protection measures. Though late, this move finally acknowledges the risks faced by France’s crypto community.

Administrative transparency vs. security: a dangerous paradox for crypto entrepreneurs

In France, documents such as the K-bis, the RCS extract, or data aggregators like Pappers publish company directors’ home addresses. What ought to foster corporate transparency has instead become a security risk: cross-referencing these public records with professional activity makes it easy to pinpoint people who likely hold digital assets.
Tip: entrepreneurs can partially protect themselves by using a registered office address instead of their private residence. ⁠ ⁠But historical data often remains publicly accessible.
Since late 2024, the Travel Rule requires French DASP/PSANs to share sender and recipient details on any transfer over €1,000. Incorporated into the EU’s MiCA framework, the rule strengthens AML/CFT controls yet centralizes sensitive data: if those files leak, they become ready-made target lists. Every additional data share raises the odds of a breach and blurs the line between your public identity and your crypto wealth.

Discretion: your best defense

Crypto security isn’t just technical (hardware wallets, 2FA, multisig). A critical - but overlooked - layer is discretion and limiting how many people know about your holdings. The real weakness often lies in over-exposure: lavish interviews, a flashy lifestyle or careless talk.
Practical strategies:
  • Lower your profile: skip unnecessary media exposure, stay quiet about profits.
  • Limit who you confide in: share sensitive info only with trusted, few interlocutors - even in legitimate dealings.
  • Use KYC services sparingly: open only the accounts you absolutely need.
  • Educate relatives: make sure family and friends never disclose your crypto activities.
  • Train your inner circle: establish clear protocols and code words for suspicious situations.
By adopting these habits, you strengthen both personal and professional security in the digital-asset arena.

Crypto security: toward a comprehensive, confidential and compliant service

Cryptocurrency’s growth comes with a paradox: radical transparency by design versus the imperative of discretion to stay safe. As physical and legal risks multiply, discretion is still the best protection.
Converting crypto into the real economy too often forces holders to reveal everything to an ever-expanding list of actors - estate agents, banks, notaries, brokers - each a potential leak. In property deals, the first question is often “Do you accept crypto?”, instantly exposing the buyer.
Legibloq changes the rules
  • Funding and payment are separated: your crypto is converted to euros in a regulated escrow account; vendors and partners see only euros.
  • Experienced partners: notaries, agents, banks and brokers already familiar with our workflow, sparing you endless explanations.
  • Minimal exposure: your crypto details are disclosed only to essential parties, at the right moment.
Bottom line: you shop like any euro buyer; we handle the crypto behind the scenes. Learn more at www.legibloq.fr.
The classic motto “Not your keys, not your coins” still applies. Recent events remind us we must add: “Live happily, live discreetly.”