French Family Coerced into $820K Crypto Transfer at Gunpoint
- On April 20, 2026, two armed men held a family hostage in Ploudalmezeau, France, forcing a transfer of approximately $820,000 in cryptocurrency.
- The incident occurred in the Keruscat housing development and involved five family members who were present at the time.
- France has recorded over 40 cryptocurrency-linked kidnappings since January, reflecting a rise in targeted crypto crime.
- The Juridiction Interregionale Specialisee (JIRS) in Rennes is leading the investigation with no arrests made as of April 22, while digital asset tracing is underway.
This incident highlights an alarming trend of increasing cryptocurrency crimes in France, where perpetrators target individuals with significant digital assets. The attack underscores the physical risks associated with known or suspected ownership of digital currencies.
As authorities continue their investigation using both traditional police methods and digital asset tracing, the case remains unsolved with no suspects apprehended yet. Source
