A recent incident in Maisons-Alfort, a suburb of Paris, has once again brought to light the dangers associated with cryptocurrency. A 23-year-old man was reportedly kidnapped earlier this week in what appears to be a targeted attack aimed at gaining access to his crypto holdings.
According to reports by Le Parisien, the victim and his partner were ambushed by assailants who demanded access to both cash and his Ledger wallet. The attackers, believed to be part of an organized gang, held the victim captive for several hours while pressuring him to disclose information about his cryptocurrency holdings.
The incident unfolded as the young couple left their home for errands. When they couldn’t find parking, the man continued to circle the neighborhood while his partner got out to run some errands. Shortly after, she received a message from him claiming to have an urgent work issue, unaware that he was in danger.
The situation quickly escalated when the woman received a video call from one of the kidnappers, demanding €5,000 in cash and a Ledger hardware wallet. The attackers used violence to coerce the victim into revealing information about his crypto assets. The woman complied with the demands, handing over the requested items to a third party who arrived at the scene.
By late afternoon, the victim was released in the nearby town of Créteil, and authorities were notified of the incident. The case is now being investigated by the police in Val-de-Marne, with the woman being questioned by judicial authorities.
This incident is just one of many in a series of violent attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders in France and beyond. In 2025 alone, there have been at least 32 reported cases of “wrench attacks,” where individuals are forcibly coerced into revealing access to their digital assets.
These attacks are becoming increasingly brutal and calculated, with perpetrators targeting individuals based on their crypto holdings and routines. In some cases, victims have been kidnapped, beaten, and even mutilated in ransom attempts by criminal organizations.
The rise in crypto-related kidnappings has sparked security concerns across Europe and beyond, prompting law enforcement agencies to take action against these violent crimes. Private security firms are also seeing a surge in demand from crypto executives seeking protection against potential threats.
As the dangers of on-chain wealth continue to escalate, it is essential for cryptocurrency holders to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their assets. The incident in Maisons-Alfort serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in the world of cryptocurrency and the importance of security measures in protecting one’s digital wealth.