French authorities have arrested six suspects following a failed kidnapping attempt involving a magistrate and her mother, in a case linked to a cryptocurrency ransom demand.
Magistrate and Mother Escape After 30-Hour Ordeal
The incident unfolded overnight in the Drôme region, where a 35-year-old magistrate and her 67-year-old mother were abducted and held in a garage for more than a day. Investigators said the kidnappers contacted the magistrate’s partner, sending a photograph of the victims along with a demand for payment in cryptocurrency. The partner was reportedly away at the time and is known to hold a senior role at a crypto-related startup.
Prosecutors said the captors threatened severe physical harm if the ransom was not paid. No payment was made, and the victims ultimately managed to alert a nearby resident by making noise, leading to their escape. Both were found injured but alive.
Arrests Follow Escalating Crypto-Linked Crimes
Police detained four men and one woman across multiple operations, with a minor arrested later. The case adds to a growing list of crypto-related kidnappings in France, many involving threats or acts of mutilation to pressure families into paying digital ransoms.
Since early 2025, several high-profile abductions have targeted individuals connected to the cryptocurrency industry. These incidents have prompted increased law enforcement scrutiny and government engagement with crypto firms, as authorities seek to address the rising risk of violent extortion tied to digital assets.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.