French authorities have reportedly apprehended more suspects connected to the violent abduction of a crypto entrepreneur’s father, whose finger was severed as part of a shocking ransom demand.
According to a June 11 report by the state-owned broadcaster France 24, several individuals were taken into custody earlier this week; however, the exact number of arrests has not been disclosed. The suspects are being held under French law, which allows detention for up to 96 hours without formal charges.
The victim, whose son is an unnamed figure in the cryptocurrency industry, was held captive in a private residence for several days. His kidnappers demanded a ransom of up to €7 million (approximately $8 million). The ordeal ended during a police operation on May 3, which resulted in five initial arrests and the victim’s release.
The incident is part of a disturbing wave of crypto-related kidnappings that gripped France in 2025. These attacks have prompted high-profile crypto entrepreneurs to bolster personal security, and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has reportedly convened meetings with law enforcement to address the growing threat.
French police are also coordinating internationally. On June 4, a man believed to be a central figure behind several recent kidnappings was arrested in Morocco. Days earlier, on May 26, more than a dozen individuals were detained in connection with crypto abductions in Paris.
So far in 2025, at least 29 in-person attacks on crypto holders have been documented globally, according to a GitHub tracker curated by Casa co-founder Jameson Lopp. That number is already approaching the 35 cases recorded in 2024 and far surpasses the 24 incidents reported in 2023.
However, experts warn the real figures may be even higher. A University of Cambridge study last September revealed many victims choose not to report these so-called “wrench attacks” due to fear of being targeted again. The study also noted that perpetrators can range from organized crime syndicates to acquaintances or even relatives.
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