A 26‑year‑old TikTok crypto trader was kidnapped Friday night in Juvisy‑sur‑Orge, northern France, and released the next day when his captors learned he lacked the €50,000 in cryptocurrency they demanded, Reuters reported.
Kidnapping and Release
On Friday evening, the young content creator was walking home when four assailants forced him into a stolen vehicle. They beat him and demanded a ransom of €50,000 in digital currency.
After hours in captivity, he revealed the balance in his account was far too low. Satisfied that he could not pay, the kidnappers released him on Saturday.
Investigation Underway
France’s Organised and Specialised Crime Division has opened an investigation. Authorities are interviewing witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage from the Juvisy‑sur‑Orge area.
The trader has been granted six days of work incapacity benefits, a standard measure for those injured in violent crimes.
Rising Crypto Threats in France
This year, France has seen a noticeable rise in kidnappings tied to cryptocurrency. In May, the father of a Paris‑based crypto entrepreneur was seized in the city’s 14th arrondissement. His captors cut off one finger and demanded a multi‑million‑euro ransom before police rescued him.
The crypto community on TikTok and Twitter has expressed shock and concern. Many creators say they will curb the personal details they share online. Some worry that posting real‑time account balances or location tags could put them at risk.
Many small traders now fear for their safety. Some content creators have already cut back on filming in public. Others plan to hide their identities or move their operations entirely online
Law‑enforcement experts advise digital currency traders to avoid flaunting their holdings on social media. They recommend using pseudonyms, limiting public disclosures, and coordinating with local police if they believe they are being followed.
As France’s specialised police dig deeper, the latest victim tries to return to normal life. His story is a warning to anyone in the crypto space. Sharing success online can come at a real cost. Authorities hope that swift arrests will stop these violent attacks. For now, traders and followers alike watch with concern as the investigation moves forward.
The use of violence raises the stakes. Physical attacks leave deep trauma. Kidnappings also erode trust in digital assets. New or small investors may think twice before joining the market.
France’s image as a safe, well‑policed country takes a hit when high‑profile crimes go unsolved. Tourists and expatriates could feel less secure. The trend may even spill over into other countries where crypto is popular.
Also Read: Six Men Charged In Chicago Kidnapping And $15M Crypto Ransom Scheme