Armed Men Hold French Couple Hostage for Crypto Transfers

A couple in Alès, southern France, was targeted by two masked and armed men who tied them up for over two hours to force cryptocurrency transfers. The perpetrators escaped when police arrived, leaving the couple behind.

The attackers reportedly had a handgun and a knife, and restrained the victims while holding their young child hostage. The neighbors were alerted after hearing the victims' shouts, and called the Alès police station who responded promptly.

The case has been handed over to the Organized and Specialized Crime Division (DCOS) in Nîmes. Despite having no known history with the police or any apparent link to organized crime, the couple reportedly will no longer hold any cryptoassets to prevent future attacks.