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French Police Capture Seven in Surge of Crypto-Related Kidnappings

French police have arrested seven individuals linked to a recent kidnapping case involving a 20-year-old Swiss man.

This incident reflects an alarming trend of cryptocurrency-related abductions in France, where criminals specifically target wealthy crypto traders and executives for ransom.

The rescue operation, which involved 150 gendarmes, took place in Valence, where the victim was found tied up near a high-speed train station.

Security analysts highlight that France has become the epicenter of such violent "wrench attacks," which are increasingly common across Europe.

As of 2025, there have been at least 10 reported cases in France alone, representing nearly a quarter of the global total for the year.

Experts caution that the actual number of these cases may be underreported, as many victims prefer to remain silent to protect their identities.

Notably, several high-profile kidnappings have occurred in France, such as that of Ledger co-founder David Balland, who suffered a severe injury during his ordeal.

The rise in abductions is part of a broader trend affecting countries worldwide, where criminal organizations exploit the anonymity of cryptocurrencies for extortion.

Victims include both crypto industry professionals and other wealthy individuals coerced into paying ransoms in digital assets.

As the landscape of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, such violent incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the crypto ecosystem.