According to ShibDaily, a 23-year-old man and his partner have fallen victim to a crypto kidnapping in France, marking the latest in a series of such incidents. The couple from Maisons-Alfort was targeted by an organized gang on Tuesday. The ordeal began when the couple left their home to run errands. While the man stayed behind to find a parking spot, his partner exited the vehicle. Shortly after, she received a message from him about an urgent work matter. Unaware of the impending danger, she returned home alone. Upon arrival, she received a video call from her partner's phone, but a stranger appeared on the screen, demanding €5,000 in cash and access to a Ledger hardware wallet. The kidnappers used violence to extract information about the man's cryptocurrency holdings, according to a source from Le Parisien.
Complying with the demands, the woman prepared the requested items and waited outside her home for a third party to collect them. The kidnappers assured her that her cooperation would lead to her partner's safe release. By 5 p.m., the man was freed in the nearby town of Créteil and contacted his partner to confirm his return home. French authorities have not disclosed the victim's identity or the exact amount of cryptocurrency involved. An investigation has been launched, with the woman transferred to the judicial police. A source described the case as sensitive, noting an increase in crypto kidnapping incidents recently. Law enforcement, including the Anti-Banditism Brigade, has made several arrests related to these ongoing investigations.
This incident underscores a growing trend of crypto-related abductions in France and globally. As digital assets gain popularity, they attract attention from cybercriminals and organized crime groups. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly warning about the real-world dangers associated with virtual wealth. The rise in such targeted attacks has led to renewed calls for stronger personal security measures among cryptocurrency holders and stricter oversight of illicit financial activities. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.