French Family Held Hostage Over Cryptocurrency Robbery Demand
A French family was held hostage by masked robbers in their home in the village of Vendin le Vieil, near Lens. The thieves demanded that the family transfer €40,000 in cryptocurrency, which they eventually did.
The family, consisting of a couple and their two children aged 8 and 12, were left shaken after the ordeal and required treatment from paramedics for shock. The father was identified as working in the technology sector.
Prosecutor Etienne Thieffry confirmed that police are hunting a gang of four criminals responsible for the robbery.
France has seen an increase in robberies targeting cryptocurrency owners, with 77 recorded cases in the first six months of this year. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had previously vowed to boost security measures for those working in the crypto sector.