Surge in Physical Attacks on Cryptocurrency Users in France
Rising attacks against cryptocurrency users in France highlighted by recent kidnapping incident.
Key Points
- • A 23-year-old man was kidnapped for cryptocurrency assets in France.
- • The kidnappers demanded 5,000 euros and a Ledger wallet key.
- • This incident reflects a growing trend of 'wrench attacks' worldwide.
- • 232 physical attacks on crypto users have been reported over the last 11 years.
In a concerning case highlighting a rising trend, a 23-year-old man was kidnapped in Maisons-Alfort, a suburb of Paris, as assailants targeted him for his cryptocurrency assets. The incident, which occurred recently, involved the attackers demanding a ransom of 5,000 euros and access to his Ledger hardware wallet that holds digital currencies. The victim was held captive for several hours and was eventually released in Créteil, although no arrests have been reported yet (6780).
This kidnapping is indicative of a broader global phenomenon referred to as 'wrench attacks,' where criminal elements specifically seek to exploit individuals for their cryptocurrency holdings. Over the last five years, similar violent incidents have been reported in various countries, including the United States and several Asian nations. Moreover, according to data compiled by Jameson Lopp, a notable Bitcoin advocate, there have been 232 recorded physical attacks on cryptocurrency holders over the past 11 years, underscoring the escalating dangers cryptocurrencies pose to their owners. Notably, a high-profile kidnapping attempt in May targeted the family of Pierre Noizat, co-founder of the crypto exchange Paymium, further emphasizing the severity of this issue (6780).