Crypto Kidnapping: 6 Suspects Charged in Case Involving a Few Hundred Euros in Val-d’Oise

Six Suspects Charged in a Kidnapping Case in Val-d'Oise

The number of assaults targeting cryptocurrency holders in France continues to rise, now averaging a concerning three cases per week since the beginning of this year.

This situation has brought to light a kidnapping case involving acts of violence against members of a family residing in Taverny, in the Val-d'Oise department, which occurred on July 13, following the recent indictment of six suspects on September 11.

Following their police custody, they were presented on September 11, 2026, to an investigating judge and charged with organized armed robbery, organized armed extortion, organized kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Pontoise Prosecutor's Office

⚠️ List of Kidnappings and Assaults Related to Cryptocurrencies in France

These facts were reported by a journalist from Le Parisien, involving a criminal operation carried out in broad daylight, unlike most other recorded cases that primarily occur in the early hours of the morning, for a total amount stolen far less than what the criminals had hoped for.

However, the three assailants tried everything once they entered their victims' home, initially tying up the mother and her 10-year-old son, then subjecting the father to violence, including electric shocks with a taser.

The goal? "To demand cryptocurrency transfers" involving a balance mentioned on the Waltio site, according to details provided by the Pontoise prosecutor's office. But things did not go as planned.

A Theft Involving Just a Few Hundred Euros in Cryptocurrencies

The assailants apparently believed they were well-informed, having obtained stolen information from a data leak that included email addresses and data related to cryptocurrency balances used for tax calculations as of December 31, 2024.

The problem? This information no longer corresponded to reality. Indeed, the amount of cryptocurrency held by the victim did not represent the significant sum the criminals expected, facing a wallet "that amounted to only a few hundred euros", according to the Pontoise prosecutor's office.

Faced with this situation, the criminals forced the mother to make two transfers of 450 euros, before ultimately settling for a few valuable items found during the search of the home, such as computers, mobile phones, and jewelry.

As part of the investigation conducted by the investigators of the organized crime suppression group of the Organized and Specialized Crime Division (DCOS) of the Interdepartmental Judicial Police Service of Val-d'Oise (SIPJ 95), six suspects were eventually identified and arrested, most of whom were recruited via social media across France. Three of them have been placed in provisional detention pending further investigations.

Notably (and recurrently in such cases): the alleged mastermind is said to be a man already incarcerated in Auxerre, in the Yonne department.

Source: Le Parisien

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