Couple Kidnapped in France for Access to Cryptocurrencies

A couple was kidnapped at their home in Rion-des-Landes, southwestern France, in an extortion attempt related to bitcoin and other digital assets. The incident occurred in the early morning, resulting in the man being injured and the woman located in another apartment. Two men were arrested following the attack. Several individuals entered the residence and demanded access to the victims' cryptocurrencies. The couple was initially held in their home and then moved to different locations, prompting a search operation by the authorities. The man was found in Solférino, about 20 kilometers from Rion-des-Landes, with multiple injuries, while the woman was discovered inside a vehicle in another apartment. Authorities have not reported on the severity of the injuries or whether the attackers managed to appropriate any digital funds. The investigation is being handled by the Specialized Interregional Jurisdiction of Bordeaux, which will determine the organization of the attack and the possible involvement of more individuals. This case comes amid a rise in physical crimes related to cryptocurrencies in France, where 77 cases of kidnapping, detention, or extortion linked to the sector have been recorded since the beginning of 2026, compared to 45 in all of 2025. Chainalysis reported 30 violent attacks against individuals linked to cryptocurrencies in France up to mid-2026, with over 30 million dollars stolen globally in the first half.