'The Sandbox' Co-Founder's Wife Targeted in Crypto Kidnapping Attempt: Report
Sébastien Borget’s wife was the target of an attempted kidnapping at their home in Villenoy, France. A group of six individuals—one disguised as a deliveryman—tried to abduct her but fled when neighbors intervened. Two teenagers from the Paris suburb of Pantin were arrested, found with a fake gun, zip-ties, and balaclavas; four accomplices remain at large. The incident is part of a growing trend of “wrench attacks” in France, where crypto owners are threatened for access to their digital assets. France has documented 135 crypto-related kidnapping cases since 2023—almost 80% of Europe’s total—with 41 attempts recorded this year. High-profile victims have included crypto executives. In response, French authorities have charged 88 people across 12 ongoing investigations and implemented heightened security for some blockchain entrepreneurs. New preventive measures, including a dedicated support platform, were announced during Paris Blockchain Week 2026.
