Highlights:
- French police arrested six suspects, including a minor, after kidnapping cryptocurrency for 30 hours.
- The magistrate and the mother escaped by warning their neighbors. No ransom paid to cryptocurrency kidnappers
- France Experiences Cryptocurrency-related Kidnapping Patterns of Industry Professionals
- Previous victims include Ledger co-founder David Balland, who had his fingers cut off by kidnappers.
French authorities have arrested six suspects in a cryptocurrency ransom kidnapping that held a magistrate and her mother captive for about 30 hours.
The victims escaped without receiving any money after being found injured in a garage in southeastern France. Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran confirmed the arrests were made on Sunday, including four men, a woman and a minor.
This incident further heightens concerns about cryptocurrency-related crimes targeting industry professionals and their families.
Details of the kidnapping and rescue operation
A 35-year-old magistrate and his 67-year-old mother were kidnapped overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. Police found them on Friday morning in Bourg-les-Valence, located in the Drôme region.
Both victims suffered injuries during their ordeal, but managed to escape after notifying neighbors.
The rescue began when the captive women began banging on the garage door where they were trapped. Prosecutor Dran said of the escape process, “A neighbor who was startled by the noise intervened and opened the door, allowing the two victims to escape.” The neighbors’ quick response prevented further harm to both women.
The kidnappers demanded cryptocurrency payment from the magistrate’s partner, who holds a senior position at a digital currency startup.
Immediately after the kidnapping, a ransom message arrived with a photo of the victim. The assailants threatened to mutilate both women if payment was delayed.
Authorities launched a massive search operation involving 160 police officers. Two suspects were arrested while trying to board a bus to Spain.
Three people were arrested overnight, and two more were arrested on Sunday morning. The minor suspect was taken into custody Sunday afternoon. The female suspect is said to be the partner of one of the male inmates.
Meanwhile, police are continuing to search for additional suspects in connection with this incident. Prosecutor Dran refused to disclose the specific ransom demanded by the criminals.
Cryptocurrency Pattern – Targeted Kidnapping
France has experienced several kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency industry figures and their relatives. These crimes reflect a disturbing trend affecting the digital asset sector.
Perpetrators specifically select victims with significant cryptocurrency holdings or businesses involved.
Ledger co-founder David Balland became a victim in January 2025. The kidnappers captured Balland and his partner and cut off his fingers before demanding a ransom.
At the time, his company was worth more than $1 billion. Balland was released the next day, and authorities found his girlfriend tied up in the trunk of a car near Paris.
In May, another incident occurred involving the father of a Malta-based cryptocurrency company operator. Four masked individuals kidnapped the victim in Paris.
The kidnappers cut off his fingers and demanded millions of euros. Security forces conducted a raid 58 hours later and secured his release.
These crimes demonstrate how criminals perceive cryptocurrency holders as lucrative targets. The digital nature of cryptocurrencies allows for anonymous transactions, potentially making them attractive to kidnappers looking for untraceable payments.
But authorities have successfully prevented ransom payments in several cases, including a recent magistrate case.
Law enforcement continues to develop strategies to combat new crime trends affecting the cryptocurrency community.