French Police Detain Seven in Latest Crypto Kidnapping Case

French authorities have apprehended seven individuals linked to the abduction of a 20-year-old Swiss national, marking another violent episode in France's escalating cryptocurrency-related kidnapping crisis. The victim, found bound in a Valence residence NEAR the TGV station, was freed during a large-scale operation involving 150 gendarmes.

France now leads Europe in so-called 'wrench attacks'—brutal kidnappings targeting crypto holders for asset extortion. Security analyst Jameson Lopp records 10 such cases in France during 2025 alone, representing nearly 25% of the 48 global incidents this year. Cybercrime expert David Sehyeon Baek suggests actual numbers are likely higher due to unreported cases.

The pattern reflects growing global risks for digital asset holders as criminals increasingly exploit the irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions. While no specific coins were demanded in this case, the trend underscores security vulnerabilities in the rapidly maturing crypto ecosystem.