Crypto Events Cancelled as Market Downturn Meets Rising Safety Risks in France

Two major crypto events were canceled in Paris as market volatility collided with a surge in physical crimes targeting crypto holders—a dual crisis reshaping the industry’s risk calculus.

NFT Paris 2026 and RWA Paris 2026 organizers cited a 'market collapse' as the reason, with all tickets to be refunded within 15 days. Attendees who booked flights and hotels now face financial losses, compounding the psychological toll of an industry in flux.

The broader NFT market has languished since 2021, with November 2025 sales figures marking a new low. Weak sponsorship and attendance numbers created a perfect storm for event cancellations.

Meanwhile, France24, Reuters, and LeMonde reported 18+ incidents of crypto-linked crimes between late 2024 and early 2026—including kidnappings, home invasions, and extortions targeting high-profile figures like Ledger co-founder David Balland and Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat’s family. These incidents have forced a cultural shift: crypto holders now 'keep a low profile' to avoid becoming targets.

Paris Blockchain Week (April 15–16, 2026) remains scheduled, highlighting a divide between institutional/crypto-adjacent events and NFT-focused gatherings. The NFT Paris cancellation statement included a public apology to attendees and staff, emphasizing the human cost of event failures.

'This is not just a financial loss,' one organizer noted in internal communications, 'but a blow to the community’s trust.'

Look, the cancellation of these events isn’t just about bad timing—it’s a symptom of a deeper reckoning. When market fundamentals and real-world safety risks align against an industry, the fallout isn’t just financial. It’s existential.

⚠️ LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.