A couple was kidnapped from their own house near La Rochelle (west of France) by three hooded attackers, that they were intimidated into stealing 8 million euros in cryptocurrencies, the French press reported this Friday. This is a new episode of financial crime this year against the cryptocurrency business in France.
This year 2025 was marked by several kidnappings or kidnapping attempts, like the one committed in May against a couple who were taking their son to school and which shocked France because it occurred in broad daylight in Paris. Certain criminal organizations operate in France attracted by “boom” of virtual currencies and for the ease it brings to money laundering.
According to The Parisian, The three attackers entered the couple’s home in the early morning of December 17 to 18, which they They immobilized her by tying her up. The man, who is dedicated to the cryptocurrency sector, was hit for two hours until he agreed to transfer 8 million euros in virtual currencies to members of the criminal group. The businessman was hospitalized, although his life is not in danger.
In mid-May this year, the French government announced a plan to stop the series of kidnappings (attempted and accomplished) in the cryptocurrency sector.
Among the measures, one stands out priority access for those affected when calling the police emergency number; better coordination between the different units of the body and state security forces; and providing families with a number of points of contact with the police.
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