Two French cryptocurrency millionaires were abducted and held captive for 52 hours in a violent ordeal that has intensified concerns about the risks faced by crypto asset holders. During their captivity, the victims endured physical torture and threats to their lives as criminals forced them to transfer digital assets. The situation ended only after a swift police response and a dramatic car chase resulted in the liberation of the hostages and the arrest of six suspects.
Victims targeted for crypto holdings
The kidnapping, attributed to a criminal gang seeking access to the victims’ digital wallets, reportedly began with abduction and progressed into an extended period of abuse and extortion. Throughout the 52-hour captivity, the hostages were beaten and subjected to severe threats, including attempts to set them on fire, as they were pressured to reveal wallet access codes.
The perpetrators are said to have demanded $150,000 in cryptocurrency. However, the victims ultimately surrendered $30,000 worth of digital assets under coercion. The ordeal concluded after French authorities intervened, tracking the suspects and executing a high-speed chase that led to the rescue of the victims and prosecution of those involved.
During the 52-hour kidnapping, the victims faced repeated violence and threats to their lives, with attackers trying to force a larger ransom in crypto, ultimately extracting $30,000 worth of digital assets.
This incident has highlighted the heightened risks associated with publicized crypto holdings, as some criminal elements have shifted from cyber theft to directly targeting individuals with substantial digital portfolios.
France sees rise in physical crypto-related crimes
France has recently experienced an uptick in cases where criminals rely not on hacking, but on traditional means such as abduction, extortion, and violence to obtain cryptocurrencies. The shift in tactics reflects broader trends impacting investors globally, with attackers seeking fast access to digital wealth through physical threats rather than digital breaches.
Security experts have pointed out that high net worth individuals, business owners, and anyone with widely known crypto holdings are increasingly vulnerable to these organized crime tactics. Greater awareness of personal security, alongside cyber protection, is now encouraged for crypto investors in the country.
French authorities responded firmly in this most recent case, which has drawn national and international attention to the evolving landscape of threats against cryptocurrency holders.
CertiK highlights increase in ‘wrench attacks’ against crypto owners
CertiK, a blockchain security company known for its research and monitoring of crypto-related risks, reported that over 50 so-called ‘wrench attacks’ occurred globally in the first half of 2026. These attacks involve physical violence or blackmail to force victims to reveal access to their digital assets, rather than exploiting technological vulnerabilities.
France stands out as one of the countries with a notable number of such incidents in 2026, alongside various cases of extortion and robbery targeting crypto holders. The trend has led to increased caution among crypto investors and spurred discussions on both physical and cyber protective measures in the industry.
Mini dictionary: CertiK is a blockchain security company specializing in auditing and monitoring smart contracts and blockchain protocols to prevent vulnerabilities and ensure the safety of digital assets.
| Year | Country | Type of Incident | Reported Attacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (H1) | France | Kidnapping, Extortion, Robbery | 50+ (global, as per CertiK) |
