French couple kidnapped in alleged Bitcoin extortion plot

A French couple in Rion-des-Landes was allegedly kidnapped in an overnight home invasion tied to an extortion attempt for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The report says attackers entered around 4 a.m. on Aug. 10–11, injured the man, and moved both victims to separate locations before authorities recovered them. Two men were arrested, and Bordeaux’s specialized jurisdiction is handling the case. The incident underscores rising physical attacks on crypto holders in France, where authorities have reported dozens of crypto-linked kidnappings and extortion cases in 2026. While no theft or blockchain transaction has been confirmed, the story highlights ongoing security risks for crypto investors and the broader crypto ecosystem.