Crypto
French Couple Abducted in Alleged Bitcoin Extortion Attempt
A French couple was abducted from their home in Rion-des-Landes, France on August 10-11 in what is being described as a Bitcoin extortion attempt.
The male victim was found approximately 20 kilometers away, unclothed and bearing injuries, while the female victim was located inside a vehicle in a separate department.
Law enforcement apprehended two individuals after deploying extensive roadblocks and investigative operations.
The investigation is being managed by Bordeaux's specialized jurisdiction and France's National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office.
Crypto-related violent incidents in France surged to 77 cases in 2026, compared to 45 the previous year, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.