A couple from Yvelines was kidnapped in their home this Monday morning by three men armed with a knife. Their goal? Force them to transfer €900,000 in Bitcoin. In France, criminals are no longer limited to online scams, but are taking violent action to seize cryptocurrencies.
In brief
- In France, a couple from Yvelines were kidnapped and forced to transfer €900,000 in Bitcoin at knifepoint.
- The criminals, who were aiming for a large sum, illustrate the escalation of violence linked to cryptocurrencies in France.
- This case highlights the vulnerability of crypto holders, now exposed to physical risks in addition to cyber threats.
France: the story of a bitcoin theft under threat in Yvelines
Monday morning in Chesnay in Yvelines, three individuals broke into the home of a couple. Armed with a knife, they tied up the husband and lightly injured the wife before forcing them to transfer €900,000 in Bitcoin (BTC) to an unknown account. The criminals then fled in a white van, leaving the victims locked up.
The woman managed to escape and alert the neighbors, allowing rapid intervention by the police. According to initial information, the criminals acted to obtain “heavy sum”confirming the financial motivation behind this targeted attack. This matter raises questions about the security of cryptocurrency holders in France, now exposed to physical risks.
Bitcoin: why are criminals abandoning scams for physical attacks?
Cryptocurrencies and in particular bitcoin, are attracting more and more desire in France. Long targeted by online scams, holders of crypto assets now face a much more concrete threat: attacks at home. Criminals, once confined to virtual scams, are switching to physical violence to directly seize digital fortunes. This escalation can be explained by several factors:
- First, the relative anonymity of bitcoin transactions makes tracing stolen funds particularly difficult;
- Then, the often high value of crypto wallets turns their owners into lucrative targets;
- Finally, the lack of physical protection around these digital assets encourages criminals to act without fear.
Similar cases are multiplying in France such as the kidnapping of David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, in January 2025; or the robbery under threat in Paris in May 2025. These cases illustrate a worrying trend… Criminals adapt their methods to maximize their gains, even if it means resorting to violence.
How to protect yourself from the escalation of crypto-related crimes?
Here are some essential measures:
- Avoid storing large sums in wallets connected to the internet and favor Cold Wallets;
- Do not publicly disclose your status as a cryptocurrency holder, especially on social networks;
- Keep contacts of relevant authorities handy and consider crisis management training.
The Yvelines sequestration marks a turning point in crime linked to cryptocurrencies in France. Criminals, previously limited to online scams, no longer hesitate to resort to violence to seize bitcoins. This development questions… How to reconcile financial innovation and personal security?
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