Four suspects held a crypto worker's family hostage overnight in Vendin-le-Vieil, in the Pas-de-Calais region of France, between September 19 and 20, 2026. The suspects entered the home and restrained the parents and their two children, ages 8 and 12.
According to the prosecutor of Béthune, the criminals threatened the father to coerce a 40,000-euro cryptocurrency transfer. The suspects fled the scene and remain at large. The family contacted emergency services around 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, and firefighters subsequently took charge of the family members, who were in a state of shock.
Details of the Attack
The family was sequestered inside the residence overnight with relatives tied up until the suspects departed. The father was assaulted during the incident, and his 12-year-old daughter was struck in the face with car keys. Both assaults were described as minor, and no other family member was reported injured.
According to sources close to the investigation, the suspects searched the home and isolated the father to obtain his wallet codes. Reports differ on whether the 40,000-euro transfer was completed, and the amount of any loss remains unknown at this stage.
Investigation and Broader Trend
The case has been opened for kidnapping and extortion in an organized gang. Multiple services are handling the investigation, including the interdepartmental judicial police services of Pas-de-Calais and Nord, as well as France's anti-cybercrime office, OFAC.
The incident reflects a significant trend in France. Since 2023, the country has recorded 135 crypto-related kidnappings, representing nearly 80 percent of Europe's total, making France well ahead of other European countries in this category of crime.
