7 Suspects Arrested by French Police Following Crypto Kidnap Attempt

French authorities rescued a 20-year-old Swiss man in Valence after a days-long kidnapping tied to his cryptocurrency holdings. The operation involved 150 gendarmes, culminating in the victim's discovery bound near the city's train station.

This case highlights France's growing problem with crypto-related crimes. Physical attacks targeting digital asset holders now parallel on-chain theft and exchange hacks in frequency. Last May, reports indicated France led global crypto kidnapping incidents—a trend showing no signs of abating.

The arrested suspects represent a broader criminal pattern exploiting crypto wealth. As adoption increases, so do predatory tactics—from wallet drainers to coordinated abductions demanding private keys. Security experts warn such incidents may escalate without proactive countermeasures.