French Crypto Tax Software Breach Leads to 20+ Kidnappings and Torture Cases
French Crypto Tax Software Breach Leads to 20+ Kidnappings and Torture Cases
馃敁 When databases become hitlists
Between 2025-2026, France experienced over 20 crypto-related kidnappings where victims were tortured and millions stolen. The attacks weren't random.
In January 2026, Waltio, a French crypto tax software, was hacked, exposing 50,000 users' tax reports, holdings, and email addresses. A French tax agent was arrested for selling confidential crypto holder data to criminals. Lists containing 5,000 French holders appeared on the dark web for $3,000.
The centralized exchange vulnerability:
- Users submit passports, selfies, and proof of address
- Exchanges store this data and report activity to governments
- Data is shared with partners for compliance
- Breaches are inevitable
2.6 billion records leaked globally in 2025, with France hit hardest in Europe. Centralized exchange accounts have become target lists containing names, addresses, holdings, and family information.
Decentralized protocols like THORChain operate without KYC, accounts, or stored identity data. The architecture makes it impossible to collect user information, meaning there's no database to breach or leak.
France 2025-2026 saw over 20 crypto-related kidnappings. Victims were tortured. Millions were stolen. The attackers didn't get lucky. They had a list. In January 2026, Waltio (a French crypto tax software) was hacked. 50,000 users exposed. Tax reports, holdings, email
THORChain Solana Integration Set to Transform Cross-Chain Swap Volume
**$42M bridged to Solana this week** - a volume that could soon flow through native cross-chain swaps instead of traditional bridges. **THORChain's Solana integration is launching soon**, bringing native swap capabilities to the second-largest DeFi ecosystem by TVL ($7.9B). **Why this matters:** - Solana has one of crypto's most active builder and user communities - Current affiliate earnings on THORChain: $46M total, averaging $29K daily - These numbers are expected to increase significantly post-Solana launch **For wallet providers** (@MetaMask @phantom @coinbase @AtomicWallet @exodus @BinanceWallet): Integration opportunity ahead of major volume shift. The integration follows six weeks of successful stagenet testing, with mainnet launch anticipated in early February.
THORChain vs CEX: Trust or Math
The recurring question of exchange solvency resurfaced after October 2025's $20B liquidation cascade and February's withdrawal delays hit major centralized exchanges. **The core problem with CEX:** - Users surrender asset control to a third party - Relies entirely on trust in reserves and internal ledgers - Vulnerable to freezes, delays, and panic during market stress **THORChain's alternative approach:** - ~100 independent nodes run transparent, open-source code - No single entity controls user funds - Every swap is visible and verifiable on-chain in real-time - BTC sent to bonded vaults, ETH received from separate vaults **The distinction matters during crises:** CEX depend on "trust us" statements when problems emerge. THORChain operates on verifiable code execution鈥攊t cannot freeze assets it never holds. CEX remain valuable for fiat on-ramps, deep liquidity, and advanced trading features. Both models will likely coexist, serving different needs in the ecosystem.
馃敟 SwapKit Powers Cross-Chain Swaps Across Major Wallets
SwapKit has emerged as a critical integration layer for THORChain, enabling native cross-chain swaps across major wallets including Ledger, Trust Wallet, OKX, and Bitget. **Key Points:** - Simplifies complex cross-chain integration for developers - Reduces resource requirements for implementing multi-chain functionality - Drives THORChain adoption through wallet distribution The protocol addresses a significant pain point: integrating new chains and cross-chain logic is typically complex and resource-intensive for development teams. SwapKit's infrastructure allows wallets to offer seamless cross-chain functionality without building it from scratch.
Vultisig Launches First Self-Custodial Multi-Chain Automation Marketplace
The THORChain ecosystem delivered several infrastructure updates this week: **Key Launches** - **Vultisig Plugin Marketplace** went live as the first on-chain, self-custodial, multi-chain automation platform. Users can now run DCA, payroll, and yield optimization autonomously while maintaining full control. Developers receive 70% of plugin fees. - **bRUNE** launched on mainnet for testing through Rujira Network. The liquid staking token for $RUNE reached its 50k cap within hours. Users can bond $RUNE to earn yield and stake bRUNE for THORChain revenue share. - **THORSwap & Metro** released their 2026 roadmap. Metro will serve as a consumer DeFi SuperApp with improved mobile experience, embedded wallet, and fiat ramps, while THORSwap V3 continues for advanced users. **Integration Updates** - SafePal added native cross-chain swaps via SwapKit - Clawdbot enabled crypto trading through secure MCP gateway - Unstoppable Version 0.47 for Android now compares rates across multiple DEXes - Maya Protocol progressing toward full shielded swap support with Zcash **Coming Soon** BiorLabs launch pending Apple approval. Keystone Wallet's ForgeBox hardware platform available for pre-order.