What to know:
- Crypto Kidnapping victims endured 52 hours of torture before surrendering $30,000 in cryptocurrency under duress.
- French police rescued the hostages after a high-speed chase, leading to the conviction of six individuals involved.
- CertiK reported 50+ wrench attacks targeting crypto holders in the first half of 2026, highlighting a sharp rise in physical threats.
A disturbing Crypto Kidnapping case where two French crypto millionaires were kidnapped has made physical threats on crypto asset owners more prevalent than ever. The hostages were held captive for 52 hours, tortured, and had to hand over cryptocurrencies before being freed by the police following an intense car chase.
This news follows CertiK’s warning that violent crime has surged in the first six months of 2026.
Crypto Kidnapping Victims Forced to Hand Over Digital Assets
According to a report cited by the Coin Bureau, the kidnapping took place as a result of an abduction and hostage-taking operation by a criminal gang trying to obtain access to their crypto funds.
As part of the 52-hour-long ordeal, the victims were allegedly beaten, set on fire, and threatened to be killed unless they gave away their cryptocurrency. It is alleged that the criminals asked for $150,000 in crypto, while the victims managed to give up $30,000 worth of cryptocurrency under duress.
It was only after the French authorities initiated a high-speed chase that led to the apprehension of the culprits that the Crypto Kidnapping was finally concluded. The authorities were able to successfully prosecute six people involved in the crime.
It shows how today’s criminals are resorting to kidnapping physical individuals who have large holdings of cryptocurrencies.
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France Emerges as a Hotspot for Crypto Kidnapping Cases
Crypto kidnappings, the most recent addition to the rising number of crimes targeting cryptocurrency investors in France, is not based on hacking exploits but rather on threats, physical violence, and kidnappings to obtain wallet access codes and other digital currencies from victims.
Security specialists indicate that investors who have cryptocurrencies known in public, business people, and high net worth individuals are becoming more exposed to organized crime groups that need fast access to digital money.
With increased use of cryptocurrencies, more attention is being paid to protecting investors against cyber threats and even physical ones.
CertiK Reports More Than 50 Wrench Attacks in H1 2026
CertiK, a blockchain security company, revealed that the company had identified over 50 wrench attacks on crypto owners in the first half of 2026. These are types of attacks where the criminals physically assault, kidnap, and blackmail victims rather than hacking the wallet and exchange systems.
France is one of the top countries that has seen crypto-related kidnappings, extortion, and physical attacks on crypto holders.
The latest Crypto Kidnapping, yet another indication, shows that protecting cryptocurrencies is not only about protecting private keys. As cryptocurrencies are getting more and more expensive, the privacy and safety of the person are becoming equally important factors to consider.
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