TechFlow News, June 18: According to La Provence, French police arrested four suspects in Marseille and its surrounding areas in connection with an attempted kidnapping-style robbery targeting cryptocurrency assets. The incident occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on June 13, 2026, when the suspects broke into a residential property in Marseille’s 13th arrondissement, attempting to seize cryptocurrency-related assets by taking two women hostage. A family in the residence was awakened by the noise and immediately alerted authorities; the suspects subsequently fled the scene, leaving behind only their vehicle license plate as a clue.
Reportedly, such “crypto-kidnapping” crimes are on the rise in France. Since the beginning of 2026, approximately 70 cases involving kidnapping or extortion targeting cryptocurrency assets have been recorded. Authorities noted that these incidents typically target cryptocurrency holders and their family members, exhibiting highly targeted and violent characteristics.
