A Case of Mistaken Identity: French Pensioner Falls Victim to Cryptocurrency Extortion Plot

In a shocking incident on January 25, a 74-year-old man from Isère in France became the target of a sophisticated kidnapping operation built entirely on a mistaken premise. The perpetrators, believing they had located the son of their intended victim, orchestrated an abduction that would last 16 hours and leave the pensioner severely traumatized.

The False Target: How Kidnappers Got Their Information Wrong

The criminals operated under a fundamental misunderstanding—they mistakenly thought the victim’s son was a cryptocurrency millionaire flush with digital assets. This case of mistaken identity set the entire criminal enterprise in motion. The gang transported the elderly man to a bar located in the Drôme region, where their true intentions became horrifyingly apparent.

During his detention, the victim endured brutal treatment. His face bore multiple lacerations from beatings, and in an act of extreme savagery, one of his fingers was severed. These acts of violence were not random; they were calculated intimidation tactics designed to force compliance.

16 Hours of Captivity: The Ransom Demand in Cryptocurrency

The abductors made their demands crystal clear: they wanted 3 million euros in cryptocurrency. To enforce this extortion scheme, they recorded video evidence of their victim’s abuse and transmitted these disturbing materials through encrypted communication channels. The digital footprint was deliberate—a pressure tactic aimed at compelling a ransom payment.

The choice of cryptocurrency as the demanded currency highlights the evolving nature of organized crime. Criminals increasingly exploit digital assets for their perceived anonymity and difficulty in tracing transactions, though law enforcement agencies worldwide have grown more sophisticated in tracking such payments.

Law Enforcement Response: Three Suspects Apprehended and Charged

Police operations in the Rhône Valley area proved swift and effective. Authorities apprehended three suspects, all in their twenties, before the scheme could reach its conclusion. The formal charges filed against them were severe: organized kidnapping, torture, and barbaric acts—reflecting the gravity of their crimes.

Investigation findings suggest these young perpetrators may not have acted independently. Evidence points to possible coordination with other individuals who orchestrated or commissioned the operation, indicating this may have been part of a larger criminal network targeting wealthy individuals through cryptocurrency-related schemes. This mistaken identity case underscores a troubling trend in organized crime where digital asset owners—or those believed to possess significant cryptocurrency holdings—have become prime targets for extortion and violence.