Telegram founder Pavel Durov made a bold allegation against French authorities on Friday, linking the wave of cryptocurrency-related kidnappings to tax officials “selling” data to criminals.
Allegations Focus on Tax Data and Criminal Targeting
In an X post, Durov stated that French tax officials are selling details of cryptocurrency holders to criminals, all while failing to fix “massive” breaches in their tax databases.
France has seen more than 40 cases of kidnappings or hostage takings linked to cryptocurrencies since the beginning of the year, according to Le Monde, one of France’s most widely read newspapers. Most incidents have targeted wealthy cryptocurrency individuals and their families.
Moreover, a French tax official, Ghalia C., was charged with illegally using government software to find addresses and assets of cryptocurrency investors, then selling that data to organized crime, according to Le Parisien.
Meanwhile, reports of data breaches have also been reported. Earlier this month, the National Agency for Secure Documents confirmed a security incident potentially exposing personal and professional account data on the government portal.
France’s Ministry of Finance and Economy didn’t immediately return Benzinga’s request for comment.
High-Profile Crypto Kidnappings Shock France
The wave of ransom kidnappings has created unrest within France’s cryptocurrency industry.
David Balland, co-founder of the leading French cryptocurrency company Ledger, and his partner were abducted in 2025. The two were eventually set free.
Later in the year, the daughter of Pierre Noizat, CEO and founder of the Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) exchange platform Paymium, survived an attempted kidnapping by three armed assailants. However, her partner and child suffered injuries.
Durov’s Ongoing Battle With The French Officials
Durov has had his own issues with French authorities. He was taken into custody in August 2024 over allegations that he failed to adequately moderate Telegram to curb criminal activity.
The CEO has denied the allegations multiple times. Last year, he claimed French intelligence is pressuring him to censor “problematic” political voices on his platform—in return for leniency in his French court case.
Photo Courtesy: Thrive Studios ID on Shutterstock.com
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