Telegram Founder Links Tax Data Leaks to Crypto Kidnappings in France

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has attributed a sharp rise in crypto-related kidnappings in France to leaks of tax data allegedly sold by a former tax official. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated April 24, Durov highlighted the severity of the issue, citing 41 reported kidnappings of crypto investors in France since the beginning of 2026—averaging one incident every 2.5 days.

The controversy centers around Ghalia C., a former French tax official detained in June 2025 on accusations of selling sensitive tax data on cryptocurrency holders. Criminals reportedly used this information to target victims for physical attacks and extortion. Durov referred to the leaks as a key driver of these crimes, stating, “More data = More victims.” He also criticized French authorities, asserting that Telegram would rather exit the French market than comply with demands to share private user data.

Escalating Threats to Crypto Holders

Among the reported incidents, high-profile cases include the January 2025 kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland and his wife, during which Balland was mutilated as part of the extortion. More recently, on April 13, a mother and her 11-year-old child were abducted in Burgundy, with the perpetrators demanding a €400,000 ($471,000) ransom from the father, a crypto entrepreneur. Just this week, a family in Ploudalmézeau was held captive during a home invasion targeting their crypto holdings.

The French government appears to be responding to the growing crisis. At Paris Blockchain Week on April 16, Jean-Didier Berger, a minister delegate to the interior minister, announced measures aimed at protecting cryptocurrency investors from kidnappings and wrench attacks. The specifics of these measures remain unclear, but the urgency is mounting as the frequency of incidents grows.

Community and Investigations

Prominent blockchain investigator ZachXBT has taken notice, stating in an April 22 X post that he is prioritizing cases involving physical threats to crypto investors. “If you or someone you know falls victim, reach out as soon as possible rather than delay,” he advised. ZachXBT has previously assisted law enforcement in tracing stolen crypto and identifying perpetrators in online scams, making him a key ally in addressing this disturbing trend.

Why It Matters for Crypto Investors

This wave of kidnappings highlights a critical risk for high-net-worth cryptocurrency holders, particularly in regions with lax data security. France is not the only country grappling with crypto crime, but the apparent connection between leaked tax data and physical violence is a stark warning for governments and investors alike. Secure personal data and avoid flaunting crypto wealth publicly to mitigate these risks.

France’s handling of this crisis could set a precedent for how regulators balance privacy, data protection, and public safety in the crypto space. Meanwhile, as the case of Ghalia C. unfolds, it underscores the potential for insider abuses in government systems.

Looking ahead, the crypto community will watch closely how French authorities and blockchain advocates like Telegram’s Durov navigate this intersection of security, privacy, and regulation. For now, the advice to crypto holders is clear: stay vigilant.

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