Owning Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies raises a question that goes beyond protecting a digital wallet: how can you safeguard yourself and your loved ones when your wealth becomes visible? For entrepreneurs, executives and cryptoasset holders, discretion and carefully organised travel deserve particular attention.
Recent incidents highlight a real risk
In an alert published on 22 January 2026 and updated on 8 June, Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr reported kidnappings and unlawful confinement brought to the attention of the authorities in January 2026. The national assistance service also described approaches by people impersonating crypto platform employees, antifraud advisers and law enforcement officials. Their aim may be to divert assets or obtain sensitive information. Read the official alert (in French) (https://www.cybermalveillance.gouv.fr/tous-nos-contenus/actualites/violation-de-donnees-secteur-crypto-actifs-202601).
These incidents continue a concern already acknowledged on 16 May 2025. Following kidnappings and attempted extortion targeting industry professionals, the French Ministry of the Interior announced prevention and protection work with the sector. Read the ministry’s statement (in French) (https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/actualites/communiques-de-presse/reunion-des-acteurs-du-secteur-crypto-avec-ministere-de-linterieur).
Digital security alone does not protect a person
Technical safeguards for Bitcoin do not provide physical protection for its owner. An exposed address, publicly announced travel plans or information about relatives may increase a person’s exposure. This does not mean that every investor is under threat: the response should be proportionate to the actual situation.
Ma Sécurité’s guidance (in French) (https://www.masecurite.interieur.gouv.fr/fr/fiches-pratiques/numerique/comment-renforcer-securite-cryptoactifs-cryptomonnaie) recommends limiting the information shared about your wealth and habits. If an approach seems suspicious, verify the person’s identity using the organisation’s official contact details. Never disclose passwords or a recovery phrase to someone claiming to be an adviser.
AGENCY: practical support for travel and events
In Cannes and on the French Riviera, AGENCY offers support based on discretion, preparation and coordination. Our role is to help organise the physical aspects of your security within the scope of the agreed services.
Private chauffeurs and carefully planned travel. Airport transfers, business appointments and private stays: our team reviews your schedule to arrange journeys with a chauffeur and a premium vehicle. Planning ahead helps reduce last-minute improvisation and coordinate arrivals and departures. Explore our private chauffeur services (https://www.agency-vip.com/en-private-chauffeur).
Private security for premises and events. AGENCY Blue Team reviews your requirements according to the venue, schedule and access constraints. Together, we define the scope of the assignment and the proposed resources, providing a professional presence suited to your circumstances. Discover AGENCY Blue Team (https://www.agency-vip.com/en-private-security).
Coordinated event reception. Our hosts and hostesses welcome, inform and guide your guests. Their reception duties are separate from those of security officers, with coordinated arrangements when the services are provided together.
Prepare a tailored response before an emergency
Planning a stay, a conference or appointments within the crypto industry? Tell us about your programme, the locations involved and your requirements. AGENCY will review a tailored proposal with you for transport, private security and reception.
Our services do not include custody of cryptoassets, recovery of funds or the technical security of digital wallets. Private security can reduce certain risks but cannot guarantee that no incident will occur. If there is an immediate threat in France, call 17.
Let us plan your support. Contact AGENCY (https://www.agency-vip.com/en-contact) or call +33 (0)9 77 218 800. You do not need to share passwords, private keys or recovery phrases to explain your requirements.
Published on 4 September 2026. Official sources are linked throughout this article.