Crypto news from France has taken a dark turn. A young TikTok influencer was abducted by a gang of criminals aiming to extort cryptocurrency as ransom.
However, what was supposed to be a lucrative crypto kidnap turned into a failed heist when the attackers discovered their victim was low on funds. This shocking case marks another alarming entry in France’s growing list of crypto-related crimes.
Crypto Kidnap in Paris Suburb: What Happened?
On the night of June 13, in Juvisy-sur-Orge near Paris, four masked individuals abducted a 26-year-old TikTok influencer known for sharing crypto trading content. The attackers believed he was wealthy in digital assets and demanded a €50,000 ransom in cryptocurrency.
According to police reports, the influencer was tortured in an attempt to gain access to his wallets. But the plan backfired. The victim’s wallets were nearly empty, leading the criminals to release him by the following day. Authorities have granted the victim six days of medical leave, and he’s now recovering from the traumatic event.
French Authorities Launch Full Investigation
The Organized and Specialized Crime Division has taken over the case. Investigators are analyzing security footage and tracking digital forensics to identify the perpetrators. Police sources told CoinoMedia, “Crypto kidnaps are rising, but they often target victims based on public profiles, not actual wealth.”
Rising Trend of Crypto Kidnap in France
This is not an isolated case. France has seen an alarming surge in crypto kidnap incidents in 2025:
- May 3: The father of a crypto entrepreneur had a finger severed during a €7 million ransom demand.
- May 13: Attempted kidnapping of Paymium co-founder Pierre Noizat’s family.
- January: Ledger co-founder David Balland was kidnapped; ransom was paid and traced back to suspects.
- June 4: Moroccan authorities arrested a key figure involved in crypto kidnappings tied to France.
These incidents are raising serious concerns about the safety of crypto investors, especially influencers and executives with public exposure.
Government and Industry Response
In light of this disturbing pattern, the French government introduced a new bill on June 13 that would restrict public access to home addresses of crypto executives. This is aimed at protecting them from targeting by criminal groups.
The Interior Ministry is also working closely with the crypto industry to design security protocols. A spokesperson stated, “We are building a framework where crypto innovation and personal safety go hand in hand.”
Crypto Community Urges Caution
Influencers and traders are responding quickly to this growing threat. Many are revising their online presence, minimizing public information related to their holdings and whereabouts.
Claire Bonnet, a prominent crypto analyst, tweeted: “This crypto kidnap trend is real. If you’re active online, tighten your security. Don’t let your social image put you at risk.”
Some experts are advocating for better wallet encryption tools and anonymous asset management platforms.
Conclusion
The recent botched crypto kidnap of a TikTok influencer highlights the dangerous intersection between digital fame and financial privacy. As France faces a growing wave of crypto-related crime, the pressure is mounting on both the government and the crypto industry to protect investors. Increased awareness, legislative reform, and digital security measures are now essential to keeping this rising threat in check.
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FAQs
1. What is a crypto kidnap?
A crypto kidnap involves abducting individuals to demand ransom in cryptocurrency, which is harder to trace than fiat money.
2. Why are TikTok influencers being targeted?
Influencers often display a lifestyle associated with wealth, making them attractive targets even if they don’t actually hold large funds.
3. How common is crypto kidnap in France?
There’s been a sharp rise in 2025, with at least five major incidents reported in the first half of the year.
4. What protections are being proposed?
A French bill aims to hide personal information of crypto executives from public registries, reducing the chances of targeted attacks.
5. How can I protect myself?
Limit the information you share publicly, use hardware wallets, enable multi-factor authentication, and stay updated on local threats.
Glossary of Key Terms
Crypto Kidnap: The act of kidnapping someone to extract cryptocurrency as ransom.
Wallet: A digital or hardware tool for storing crypto assets.
Ransomware: A type of malware used for crypto ransom, though not applicable in this physical case.
Ledger: A leading manufacturer of hardware wallets for crypto security.
Blockchain: A decentralized digital ledger used in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
