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Cryptocurrency-related extortion in France

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2026-09-20 17:32 UTC → 2026-09-21 11:12 UTC · added removed

A series of violent home invasions and kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency holders has been reported in France. In early September, armed attackers broke into a home in Alès, tying up a couple for over two hours while demanding cryptocurrency transfers. A young child was present during the incident, and the suspects fled before police arrived. This event follows reports from French authorities regarding a significant rise in kidnapping and extortion linked to digital assets. On September 20, 2026, a similar incident occurred in Vendin-le-Vieil, Pas-de-Calais, where four masked assailants held a family of four hostage. captive for several hours. The attackers targeted an IT professional working in the cryptocurrency sector, forcing a him to provide access codes and transfer of 40,000 euros approximately €40,000 in crypto-assets. digital assets. During the ordeal, the victims were restrained with black tape, and both the father and his 12-year-old daughter were subjected to physical violence. sustained injuries; reports indicate the daughter was struck in the face with car keys. The French Anti-Cybercrime Office (Ofac) Béthune prosecutor's office and judicial police units from Pas-de-Calais and Nord, alongside France’s Anti-Cybercrime Office (Ofac), have launched investigations into these organized extortion attempts. Authorities have noted a rising trend of “wrench attacks” in France, where criminals use physical violence to coerce cryptocurrency holders into immediate transfers. Official reports indicate 77 such cases involving kidnapping or extortion linked to crypto were recorded in the first eight months of 2026, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.

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  1. 2026-09-21 11:12 UTC Cryptocurrency-related extortion in France
  2. 2026-09-20 17:32 UTC Cryptocurrency-related extortion in France

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