Six Arrested in France for Kidnapping Over Cryptocurrency

Police in France have caught six people who are thought to be behind the kidnapping of a judge and her mother. The judge's partner works with digital money. The kidnappers hurt one of the women and asked for money paid in cryptocurrency. Both women are now safe.
By Newsroom | Crime, France |

Paris, France – French law enforcement has apprehended six individuals, including a minor, in connection with the recent kidnapping of a magistrate and her mother. The victims were held for approximately 30 hours in a plot involving a cryptocurrency ransom. The investigation points to a broader pattern of targeted abductions within the cryptocurrency sector.

The magistrate, 35 years old, and her 67-year-old mother were discovered on Friday morning in a garage located in the Drôme department, in the southeast of France. Authorities reported that the kidnappers had inflicted injury, including the severing of a finger from one of the victims, as part of their ransom demands. The individuals were rescued in Bourg-les-Valence without any ransom payment being made.

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Timeline and Key Actors

The incident unfolded between Wednesday night and Thursday morning when the magistrate and her mother were abducted. The Lyon prosecutor, Thierry Dran, confirmed the arrests. The prosecutor's office indicated that the magistrate's partner holds a significant role in a cryptocurrency startup. This connection appears central to the motive behind the abduction. A large-scale police operation, involving 160 officers, was initiated after the kidnappers sent a message and a photograph of the magistrate to her partner, demanding a cryptocurrency ransom.

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  • Victims: A 35-year-old magistrate and her 67-year-old mother.

  • Abduction Period: Approximately 30 hours, occurring overnight Wednesday to Thursday.

  • Location of Discovery: A garage in the Drôme department, southeastern France.

  • Rescued: Friday morning in Bourg-les-Valence.

  • Prosecutor: Thierry Dran, Lyon.

  • Key Connection: Magistrate's partner works for a cryptocurrency startup.

  • Police Operation: Involved 160 officers.

Arrests and Suspects

As of Sunday afternoon, six suspects have been taken into custody. This group includes four men, one woman, and a child. The arrests were carried out in stages, with some detentions occurring overnight and others on Sunday morning. The charges these individuals will face are expected to include kidnapping, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, based on earlier related cases.

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This incident is not isolated. French authorities have been addressing a series of kidnappings and extortion attempts that specifically target individuals involved in cryptocurrencies and their families.

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  • In May 2025, French media reported more than 20 arrests in connection with plots targeting cryptocurrency entrepreneurs. In some instances, police intervened before attacks could be carried out, while in others, substantial ransoms, such as €10 million, were demanded.

  • In June 2025, reports detailed arrests related to the kidnapping of the father of a cryptocurrency entrepreneur. The kidnappers demanded a ransom from their son, described as an influencer based in Dubai. The investigation revealed that the father's finger had been cut off, and a large ransom was demanded. A total of 24 people were reported in custody during this period.

The French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, has publicly stated his commitment to enhancing security measures for cryptocurrency executives and their families, following an emergency meeting with industry leaders.

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Evidence and Circumstances

The connection to cryptocurrency is underscored by the ransom demands made in this and similar cases. The magistrate's partner's employment in a crypto startup provides a clear avenue of inquiry. The physical evidence of injury to the victims, particularly the severing of a finger, suggests a level of severity and intent by the perpetrators. The coordinated police response, involving a significant number of officers, indicates the seriousness with which these crimes are being treated.

Expert Analysis and Official Statements

"This incident is not an isolated case. The situations like these necessitate not only immediate law enforcement action but also effective legal proceedings following the arrests." - Legalese Decoder Blog, February 8, 2026

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While the specific motives are still under detailed investigation, the pattern of targeting individuals with financial ties to cryptocurrency suggests a deliberate strategy by criminal elements seeking to exploit this sector for financial gain through violent means. The prosecutor's statements highlight the direct link between the victims and the cryptocurrency industry.

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Conclusion and Future Implications

The arrest of six individuals in connection with the kidnapping of a magistrate and her mother marks a significant development in a troubling trend of cryptocurrency-related crime in France. The evidence gathered so far points to a well-organized group leveraging sophisticated ransom tactics.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities likely to explore:

  • The full extent of the criminal network involved.

  • The specific financial motives tied to cryptocurrency.

  • Any potential links to previous cryptocurrency-related abductions in France.

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The continued focus by French authorities on bolstering security for those in the cryptocurrency sector indicates a proactive stance against these evolving criminal threats.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was kidnapped?
A 35-year-old judge and her 67-year-old mother were taken.
Q: Why were they kidnapped?
The kidnappers wanted a ransom paid using cryptocurrency.
Q: Are the victims safe?
Yes, they were found safe after about 30 hours.
Q: How many people were arrested?
Six people have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.