Dangerous Crypto Kidnapping Wave: French Police Make More Arrests
The dark side of the crypto world continues to make headlines, with a disturbing rise in violent crimes targeting individuals perceived to hold significant digital wealth. The latest development in this concerning trend involves a severe case of crypto kidnapping in France, where authorities have just announced further arrests. This incident underscores the urgent need for heightened crypto security measures among holders.
French Police Action in Crypto Kidnapping Case
French police are actively working to dismantle criminal networks preying on the crypto community. They recently made additional arrests in connection with the abduction of the father of a crypto entrepreneur. This victim was held captive for several days, and his finger was reportedly severed as part of a brutal ransom demand that reached up to 7 million euros ($8 million). A police raid on May 3 successfully liberated the man, leading to five initial arrests at the time.
The recent arrests, reported by France 24, add to the ongoing investigation. While the exact number of new suspects detained on Tuesday is not yet public, they can be held for up to 96 hours without formal charges. This action follows other significant breakthroughs by French police, including the June 4 arrest in Morocco of a man suspected of leading multiple crypto-related kidnappings in France. Additionally, over 12 individuals linked to high-profile crypto kidnapping cases in Paris were arrested on May 26.
A String of Crypto Attacks in 2025
The incident involving the crypto entrepreneur’s father is not isolated. 2025 has seen a troubling increase in crypto attacks. On May 13, the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, co-founder of French crypto exchange Paymium, were targeted in a daylight kidnapping attempt. In March, online streamer Amouranth was subjected to a home invasion where assailants demanded access to her crypto wallet; four suspects were later charged in that case.
Data compiled by Jameson Lopp indicates at least 29 in-person crypto attacks have occurred this year alone. This puts 2025 on pace to exceed the 35 attacks recorded in 2024 and the 24 in 2023. The true number of incidents, or crypto crime, may be higher, as a University of Cambridge study noted that these ‘wrench attacks’ are often underreported due to fears of revictimization. The attackers range from organized criminal groups to individuals known to the victims.
Why is Crypto Security Crucial Against Crypto Crime?
The uptick in crypto crime and violent attacks raises questions about the motivations behind them. Jonathan Levin, CEO of Chainalysis, suggested at the 2025 Consensus conference that criminals might still mistakenly believe cryptocurrency is untraceable, making it an attractive target. This perception, though often inaccurate for many transparent blockchains, could be driving the increase in physical assaults.
Furthermore, a lack of awareness among crypto users contributes to their vulnerability. Kraken security chief Nick Percoco highlighted a noticeable deficiency in ‘basic situational awareness’ and security measures among attendees at crypto conferences. Beefing up personal crypto security, being discreet about holdings, and understanding the risks are becoming increasingly vital for anyone involved in the cryptocurrency space.
In conclusion, the latest arrests by French police in the brutal crypto kidnapping case serve as a stark reminder of the escalating risks faced by crypto holders. The rising wave of crypto attacks and crypto crime globally necessitates urgent attention to personal crypto security and greater awareness within the community. As authorities continue their efforts, individuals must prioritize their safety and implement robust security protocols to protect themselves and their assets from these dangerous threats.
