French Family Held Hostage for €40,000 in Cryptocurrency

A family in northern France was held hostage for three hours by four masked assailants who demanded €40,000 in cryptocurrency.

The attackers broke into a home in the commune of Vendin-le-Vieil on September 19-20, 2026, and tied up the couple and their two children, ages 8 and 12.

The father, who works in the tech sector with ties to the cryptocurrency industry, was isolated in a separate room and forced to transfer €40,000 to the assailants.

After the attackers fled, the family called for help and were found to be in shock. The 12-year-old girl suffered a minor head injury during the ordeal.