Seven arrested in France after attempted crypto kidnapping
French police freed a 20-year-old Swiss citizen and arrested seven suspects in a crypto kidnapping case. The country has become Europe’s leader in “wrench attacks.”
According to law enforcement, the case was another example of so-called “wrench attacks” — violent assaults on crypto investors and their families to force access to digital assets. The victim was found tied up in a house near the train station.
Experts note that France has become the European center for such crimes. Analyst Jameson Lopp estimates that at least 10 cases were recorded in France in 2025 alone. That equals nearly a quarter of all incidents worldwide.
Such cases have also occurred outside France. In March, Chinese-Filipino businessman Anson Que died after kidnappers demanded $20M in crypto. In Brazil, a Spanish entrepreneur was held hostage for five days while criminals demanded $50M.
Experts warn that crypto’s anonymity and portability make it an attractive target for extortion. Many victims, however, choose not to report incidents, fearing damage to their reputation or the risk of repeat attacks.
Experts note that France has become the European center for such crimes. Analyst Jameson Lopp estimates that at least 10 cases were recorded in France in 2025 alone. That equals nearly a quarter of all incidents worldwide.
Number of attacks on crypto holders vs. BTC price. Source: x.com
France has already faced several brutal incidents this year. In January, kidnappers cut off the finger of Ledger co-founder David Ballan. In May, the father of a Malta-based crypto entrepreneur was kidnapped in Paris and also injured. And in June, police arrested Badiss Mohamed Amide Badjou in Morocco, suspected of organizing a series of attacks.
Such cases have also occurred outside France. In March, Chinese-Filipino businessman Anson Que died after kidnappers demanded $20M in crypto. In Brazil, a Spanish entrepreneur was held hostage for five days while criminals demanded $50M.
Experts warn that crypto’s anonymity and portability make it an attractive target for extortion. Many victims, however, choose not to report incidents, fearing damage to their reputation or the risk of repeat attacks.
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