The wife of Sébastien Borget, co-founder and chief operating officer of The Sandbox, was reportedly targeted in an attempted kidnapping at the family’s home in Villenoy, France, adding to a growing list of crypto-linked attacks across the country.
Details of the abduction attempt
French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche (JDD) reported that the incident happened earlier this week when a man posing as a delivery worker arrived at the property wearing a branded vest and carrying a cardboard package.
After Borget’s wife opened the gate, five masked individuals allegedly rushed into the residence courtyard and tried to force her into a waiting vehicle.
The attempt failed after neighbours heard her screams and stepped in, forcing the attackers to flee before completing the abduction.
French authorities later intercepted a second vehicle linked to the suspects. Two people were arrested while four others reportedly remain at large.
Crypto-linked motive emerges in investigation
Investigators reportedly believe the attempted abduction may be connected to cryptocurrency.
According to JDD, the two suspects arrested were found carrying zip ties, balaclavas, and a fake handgun. The case has since been transferred to France’s central security directorate. Borget, 40, is a leading figure in the crypto gaming sector through The Sandbox, an Ethereum-based virtual world platform where users create, own, and monetise gaming experiences using NFTs and the SAND token.
The attack marks another case where individuals linked to the crypto industry have become physical targets outside the digital space. Earlier this year, French authorities arrested six suspects, including a minor, following the kidnapping of a magistrate and her mother in a case tied to a cryptocurrency ransom demand.
Why is France seeing a rise in crypto kidnappings?
France has seen a sharp increase in crypto-related kidnappings and attempted abductions over the past few years.
French authorities and analysts have linked some attacks to leaked personal data from crypto-related services. When names, addresses, IDs, and wallet associations leak online, criminals gain ready-made target lists.
Figures cited by JDD from the National Directorate of the Judicial Police show that France recorded 41 crypto-linked kidnappings or attempted abductions since January 2026 alone. Authorities have documented 135 cases since 2023, making France the centre of crypto-related abduction incidents in Europe.
Recent cases reportedly targeted crypto executives, investors, and family members, pushing French authorities to introduce new preventive measures during Paris Blockchain Week 2026.
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