In January 2026, a woman was kidnapped and assaulted in Manosque for cryptos. This event reveals a worrying trend: crime targeting holders of digital assets. Between physical insecurity and financial vulnerability, how can we protect investors in a world where the virtual world is becoming dangerous?
In brief
- A woman was kidnapped and assaulted in Manosque, France, by three hooded men for cryptos.
- The attackers, organized and informed, used physical violence to steal a USB key containing sensitive data.
- This case illustrates the emergence of a new banditry targeting digital assets, exploiting security flaws and the irreversibility of crypto transactions.
Sequestration of a woman in France for cryptos
On January 5, 2026, around 7:30 p.m., a woman was violently attacked at her home located in the quiet area of Chemin de Chanteprunier, on the outskirts of Manosque. Three hooded men forced open her door, overpowered her, then held her captive for several minutes. Their objective: to obtain access to the cryptos supposedly owned by his companion. The victim, tied up and threatened with a handgun, suffered physical violence before the attackers seized a USB key (certainly a cold wallet) containing sensitive data.
The investigation, entrusted to the banditry suppression brigade of the Marseille judicial police, revealed a meticulously prepared operating procedure. The attackers seemed informed of the presence of cryptos in the home, which suggests a leak of tax data or prior surveillance. This case is not isolated because since 2025, attacks against crypto holders have increased, exploiting the relative anonymity and irreversibility of transactions.
Crypto: cases of sequestration in France and Europe are increasing
France is not spared from this wave of crime. In 2025, a crypto entrepreneur was kidnapped in Paris, his finger severed to force a transfer of funds. In Spain, kidnappings for bitcoin ransom have been reported. These cases share common points:
- Extreme violence;
- Precise targeting;
- Use of cryptocurrencies to launder or hide funds.
Criminals exploit loopholes in the tax and banking systems. In Belgium, families of crypto holders are also targeted. European authorities are working together to track down these networks, but their task is complex. Indeed, crypto transactions, once validated, cannot be canceled. Faced with this threat, exchange platforms are trying to strengthen their security protocols, but protecting users remains a major challenge.
How to protect cryptocurrency holders?
After the kidnapping of this woman in Manosquepeople with cryptos must adopt double vigilance. First, secure their digital assets: hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor), two-factor authentication, and offline backups of private keys. Then, protect their anonymity: avoid disclosing their assets or address, use pseudonyms for transactions.
Platforms also have a role to play. Some now offer insurance against theft, or alerts in the event of suspicious movement. The authorities recommend reporting any extortion attempts. Finally, cybersecurity training, such as that offered by ANSSI in France, helps raise investor awareness. Protecting cryptos is no longer limited to technology, it also involves daily caution.
The Manosque affair reminds us that cryptos, a symbol of innovation, also attract the worst forms of crime. Between digital security and physical protection, holders must be extra vigilant. Collaboration between states is becoming essential to stopping certain offenders, such as the arrest of the man behind the $12 billion scam. In your opinion, should the crypto market be further regulated, or should users be responsible for their security on their own?
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