Crypto Kidnappings Surge 2025 France Sees 29 Attacks

French police have made additional arrests in the ongoing investigation of a high-profile kidnapping case involving the father of a cryptocurrency entrepreneur. The victim, whose finger was severed as part of the ransom demands, was abducted in May, highlighting the growing concern over the security risks associated with the cryptocurrency industry.

The kidnapping, which occurred last month, involved the abduction of the father of a wealthy cryptocurrency entrepreneur. The victim was severely injured and held captive in a townhouse, where he was subjected to torture, including electrocution. The kidnappers demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency, adding a new dimension to the already complex nature of the crime.

The victim managed to escape from his captors and was found severely injured and barefoot. This dramatic turn of events led to the arrest of several suspects, who are now facing charges related to the kidnapping and torture. The police have been working diligently to gather evidence and make further arrests, aiming to bring all those involved to justice.

The case has raised significant concerns about the security of cryptocurrency holdings and the potential for such high-value assets to attract criminal activity. The use of cryptocurrency as a ransom demand underscores the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance within the industry. As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to focus on the financial transactions and digital footprints left by the suspects, which could provide crucial evidence in the case.

The kidnapping and subsequent arrests serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with the cryptocurrency industry. While the technology offers numerous benefits, including decentralization and anonymity, it also presents unique challenges in terms of security and regulation. The case highlights the importance of robust security protocols and the need for ongoing vigilance to protect against such criminal activities.

As the investigation progresses, it is expected that more details will emerge about the motives and methods of the kidnappers. The arrests made so far are a significant step towards bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring that the victim receives the support and protection he needs. The case also underscores the need for greater collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the cryptocurrency industry to address the security challenges posed by this emerging technology.

There has been a growing number of crypto kidnappings in 2025, several of them in France, leading to crypto entrepreneurs beefing up their security measures, and French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau calling a meeting to discuss the issue. Suspects can be held for up to 96 hours without charges. The father of an unnamed crypto entrepreneur was held captive at a property for several days, and the criminals demanded up to 7 million euros in ransom. A May 3 police raid liberated the man, which resulted in five arrests at the time.

Meanwhile, a man suspected of being a key figure behind a series of recent crypto-related kidnappings in France was arrested in Morocco on June 4. French authorities also arrested more than 12 people on May 26 linked to high-profile crypto kidnapping cases in Paris. The daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, the co-founder and CEO of French crypto exchange Paymium, were targeted on May 13 in a brazen daylight kidnapping attempt. Online streamer Amouranth was the victim of a home invasion in March when several armed assailants held her at gunpoint and demanded the keys to her crypto wallet. Four suspects were later charged.

There have been at least 29 in-person crypto attacks so far this year. However, there could be more that haven’t been reported. A University of Cambridge study in September found these so-called “wrench attacks” are often underreported due to revictimization fears and involve a diverse group of attackers ranging from organized crime groups to friends and family.

Speaking at the 2025 Consensus crypto conference on May 15, Chainalysis CEO Jonathan Levin speculated part of the reason there has been an uptick in crypto attacks is that criminal organizations may still believe crypto is untraceable. Kraken security chief Nick Percoco said there is also a noticeable lack of security awareness among crypto users, saying in a June 5 blog post that the crypto exchange’s security team had noticed a lack of “basic situational awareness” and security measures among crypto conference attendees.