French authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into a data breach involving Waltio, a cryptocurrency tax reporting platform, after concerns emerged that hackers may have compromised users’ personal data.
In a notice issued Thursday, French cybersecurity authorities said the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office and the National Cyber Unit are actively investigating which data hackers stole and which Waltio users were affected by the breach. Officials warned that criminals could target exposed users by posing as security professionals and tricking them into handing over their digital assets.
FRENCH CRYPTO TAX PLATFORM TARGETED AT EXCTORATION ATTEMPT BY HACKER GROUP
The company, Waltio, has filed a criminal complaint after the hacker group Shiny Hunters claimed to have stolen personal data of around 50,000 users, mainly in France, and issued ransoms… pic.twitter.com/ly0tw5QJiI
— Bitcoin News (@BitcoinNewsCom) January 23, 2026
The warning followed a report from the French newspaper The Parisianwhich stated that a hacker group called Shiny Hunters claimed responsibility for the attack and demanded a ransom from Waltio. According to the report, the hackers had accessed personal data of around 50,000 users, most of whom were based in France.
France is investigating Waltio data breaches as the risk of a “key attack” increases
French authorities warned that a recent data breach could put crypto users at risk. As a result, publicized names, home addresses and details of crypto holdings have made people easy targets for criminals. In response, attackers often contact victims or their family members directly and use threats to force the transfer of digital assets. This practice, commonly known as a “key attack,” relies on physical intimidation rather than hacking.
Meanwhile, officials confirmed that these attacks have already occurred in France and warned that affected Waltio users and their family members could face the same risks. Overall, the warning underlines growing security concerns as criminals increasingly target known crypto holders.
At the same time, the investigation comes at a time when France is tightening supervision of the crypto industry under the EU’s Crypto Asset Markets Regulation (MiCA). Under these rules, crypto companies must meet stricter licensing and transparency standards. Consequently, French regulators have ordered non-compliant companies to either apply for a permit or cease operations, with the deadline for compliance set for June 30.
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