France Cryptocurrency Kidnapping Case Escalates: Teenager Involved in Bomb Threats, Helicopter Deployment Shocks Paris Suburbs

Gate News, March 17 — According to French media Franceinfo, a serious violent incident involving cryptocurrency holders occurred in the Île-de-France region of France. Police deployed approximately 100 armed personnel and two helicopters to conduct a large-scale search for two minors and a 35-year-old man. The case is now under judicial investigation.

Investigations show that this incident involved two attacks occurring within a short period. On the morning of March 10, a cryptocurrency holder in Essonne, south of Paris, was targeted by two masked individuals attempting an home invasion. The suspects claimed to carry explosive devices and demanded valuables but ultimately failed to obtain anything. About 30 minutes later, another group of suspects successfully broke into a residence in Seine-et-Marne, kidnapping a woman and her family, and stealing jewelry and other valuables.

After receiving the report, police quickly identified the suspects’ vehicle and launched a joint ground and air pursuit. After approximately six hours of chasing, law enforcement intercepted the vehicle and found stolen items inside. Three suspects were subsequently arrested, including two teenagers aged 15 and 17.

Prosecutors have charged the three individuals with organized crime, armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion. The 17-year-old and the 35-year-old suspect are currently in custody, and the case is ongoing.

In recent years, violent crimes involving digital assets like Bitcoin have been on the rise in France, especially in affluent areas around Paris. Earlier this month, a similar incident occurred in the Versailles region, where a couple was forced to transfer about $1 million worth of Bitcoin.

Law enforcement officials note that such cases often target high-net-worth cryptocurrency holders, with criminal methods gradually escalating from traditional scams to physical threats and even kidnapping. As the adoption of digital assets increases, how to prevent offline violence and information leaks has become a critical concern for cryptocurrency holders.