The anticipated NFT Paris event has been officially canceled, a decision announced on January 5, 2026, due to a significant downturn in the global cryptocurrency market and escalating costs. This cancellation unfolds against a backdrop of increasing violence targeting crypto professionals in France, marking a troubling trend for the nation”s Web3 community.
Since January 2025, France has witnessed over 20 reported kidnappings and violent incidents aimed at individuals involved in the crypto sector and their families. The situation has created a palpable sense of fear within the community, heightening concerns for the safety of digital asset holders. Four attempted kidnappings occurred within just four days at the beginning of January 2026, prompting urgent alerts from industry leaders.
Recent incidents illustrate the severity of the situation. For instance, on January 6, a woman in Manosque was violently seized by assailants seeking her partner”s crypto assets. In a separate incident on the same day, masked gunmen tied up another woman in a Manosque home and stole a USB drive containing vital crypto keys. Just days later, on January 9, an engineer was kidnapped from his residence in Saint-Léger-sous-Cholet, while another cryptocurrency investor and his family suffered a brutal home invasion in Verneuil-sur-Seine.
The abrupt cancellation of NFT Paris has left sponsors disheartened, as many of them face substantial financial losses due to non-refundable expenses. Art market analyst Arthemort pointed out that the underlying reasons for the event”s cancellation extend beyond mere economic factors; the growing security crisis within the crypto community likely played a crucial role in this decision.
Despite some successes by French authorities in thwarting kidnapping attempts—such as the rescue of a Swiss crypto professional in Valence—many perpetrators remain unapprehended, underscoring the ongoing security challenges within the country”s crypto landscape. Industry insiders, including Farokh, have raised alarms about potential data leaks involving government employees sharing taxpayer information with criminal entities, which may have facilitated the targeting of crypto holders.
This alleged breach has intensified worries regarding France”s strict reporting requirements for crypto holdings under anti-money laundering and tax laws. In light of the current climate, security experts recommend that individuals employ pseudonyms, minimize their online presence, and refrain from publicly disclosing wallet details to mitigate personal risks.
The cancellation of NFT Paris serves as a stark reminder of the multifaceted challenges facing the crypto sector in France, where financial pressures coincide with increasing threats to personal safety. As authorities strive to bolster protections and dismantle criminal networks, the French Web3 community finds itself navigating a precarious environment.
