In the city of Nice, two individuals were taken hostage in their home, and a cryptocurrency account valued at $25,000 was stolen. The victims, a mother and her son, were kidnapped by two masked individuals who also stole a wallet, a passport, and two mobile phones. One of the phones contained the access codes for a cryptocurrency account, which the perpetrators managed to take control of. Prosecutors in Nice have launched an investigation into the incident, charging the suspects with "armed extortion" and "kidnapping." This case is part of a growing trend in France involving crimes linked to cryptocurrencies. The organized crime prosecution office (PNACO), which handles cases related to serious and organized crime, has recorded 135 kidnappings or attempted kidnappings connected to digital assets. These crimes typically involve perpetrators targeting individuals who possess access to cryptocurrency accounts, which can hold significant value. Such crimes are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. In April 2026, a man was arrested in Dompierre-sur-Mer, in the Charente-Maritime region, after kidnapping a couple. The victims were tied up, beaten, and threatened into making a forced cryptocurrency transfer of 8 million euros. The case highlights the increasing use of extreme violence in crimes involving digital assets. Authorities are responding to the rise in these crimes by intensifying investigations and working closely with financial institutions and cryptocurrency platforms. As cryptocurrencies become more mainstream, they are also becoming more attractive targets for criminals. The French legal system is adapting to these new challenges, with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies focusing on both the prevention and prosecution of such crimes.