French Police Arrest Six After Magistrate Kidnapped in Crypto Ransom Case
French police arrested six individuals after a 35-year-old magistrate and her mother were kidnapped in the Drôme region and held for several hours, with the abductors demanding a cryptocurrency ransom. The magistrate’s partner, involved in a crypto-related startup, was targeted with threats and photos demanding payment. A neighbor intervened, allowing the victims to escape; no ransom was paid. Authorities launched a large-scale search involving 160 officers, and formal charges are expected as the investigation continues. The incident reflects a growing trend in France of "wrench attacks"—kidnappings and extortion aimed at crypto holders—mirroring similar high-profile cases and contributing to over $41 million in reported losses last year. Rising crypto adoption, perceived anonymity, and wealth indicators shared online have made such crimes more common, though experts note these risks also exist in traditional financial contexts.
