Five Arrested in Latest French Crypto Kidnapping Case

French Judge and Mother Rescued After 30-Hour Crypto Ransom Ordeal

French police have arrested five suspects in connection with a cryptocurrency-related kidnapping that has shocked the nation. A 35-year-old magistrate and her 67-year-old mother were held captive for approximately 30 hours in a garage in Bourg-lès-Valence, southeastern France, before managing to escape by banging on the garage door to alert a neighbor.

The kidnappers demanded an undisclosed ransom amount in cryptocurrency from the magistrate's partner, who holds a leading position in a cryptocurrency startup. 'They threatened to mutilate the victims if payment wasn't made quickly,' a police spokesperson revealed. The two women were found injured but their lives were not in danger.

Massive Police Operation

After the kidnappers contacted the magistrate's partner with their ransom demand, French authorities launched a massive operation involving 160 officers. The victims were discovered when they managed to free themselves and began banging loudly on the garage door. 'A neighbor heard the noise and was able to open the gate,' explained local police commander Jean-Luc Martin.

Four men and one woman were arrested in connection with the case. Two of the suspects were apprehended overnight while attempting to flee to Spain by bus. The police only publicly acknowledged the case after the women had been rescued.

Targeting Crypto Wealth

Initially, investigators believed the motive might be related to the magistrate's profession, but attention quickly shifted to another possible motive: her partner is a successful cryptocurrency entrepreneur who has been in the industry for years. His consulting startup was acquired by a major North American platform in 2024.

This case represents the latest in a disturbing trend of kidnappings in France targeting wealthy individuals and families who have become rich - or are suspected of being rich - through cryptocurrency investments. 'This is part of a pattern we've been seeing more frequently,' said cybersecurity expert Marie Dubois. 'Criminals are specifically targeting crypto entrepreneurs because they believe these individuals have easily transferable digital wealth.'

Broader Pattern of Crypto Kidnappings

French authorities have been dealing with multiple similar cases in recent months. In January, Ledger co-founder David Balland was kidnapped and had a finger severed for a €10 million ransom. Another case involved a cryptocurrency millionaire's father who was held for a €5-7 million ransom and also had a finger cut off.

In May 2025, French police arrested about 20 people in connection with kidnapping plots targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and their families. One attempted abduction targeted the daughter and grandson of Paymium co-founder Pierre Noizat in Paris, while another foiled attempt occurred in Nantes.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has vowed to bolster security around crypto executives and held emergency meetings with industry leaders, promising the 'entire state apparatus' is mobilized to address this violence targeting those with cryptocurrency fortunes.

Security Concerns for Crypto Community

The repeated incidents have prompted the French cryptocurrency community to implement enhanced security measures. Many executives are now adopting stricter personal security protocols, including increased surveillance, bodyguards, and secure transportation.

'The digital nature of cryptocurrency assets makes them particularly vulnerable to this type of extortion,' explained financial crime analyst Thomas Moreau. 'Unlike traditional assets that might be in banks or physical locations, crypto can be transferred instantly under duress.'

French police suspect that some of these cases may be connected to a single criminal organization operating from abroad, using similar methods across different kidnapping attempts.

Sources

Straits Times: French police arrest five over crypto-linked magistrate kidnapping

Le Monde: French judge and her mother freed after cryptocurrency-linked abduction

BBC: French police arrest over 20 in crypto kidnapping plots

The Guardian: French police arrest five over crypto-linked magistrate kidnapping